De-stress Therapy: The Zen of Science Fair
From Stepping Up
| How to be Happy |
| Stepping Up Guide |
|
Breathe in, 1, 2, 3, breathe out, 3, 2, 1...
Are you... a) Anxious about finishing your lab report? b) Failing at stapling all these sheets to your backboard? c) Pulling your hair out because there is no way you can get access to a particular piece of equipment that you desperately need? d) All of the above?
Take a break every now and then!
Science fair can take over your life in a good way, but it can also lead to an increased stress level as you frantically work to finish everything. For your own sanity and the success of your project as you're working on it, you should always take a moment to decrease your stress level as much as possible, regardless of who you are and what level of science fair you are competing at.
Remember though: Don't slack off too much or you will be even more stressed at the very last minute!
Contents |
Do Something Else
When you do something like research for any extended period, it's useful to take a couple hours and do something that's not your project. No, you workaholic, not some other part of your science fair project, but something completely different! Maybe there's a TV show or YouTube series that you haven't had a chance to catch up on lately - watch it for an hour or so. Maybe you have some - eugh - history homework you need to catch up on? Do a bit of that and you'll have a little less stress when you get back to doing school work! For the love of God, take a break! You'll be refreshed, maybe laughing your tushie off, and be ready to get back to it afterwards! It always helps to take a breather to get a better perspective of what you're doing.
Get Some Fresh Air
Take a walk/ run/ jog and get some sunshine. Produce some Vitamin D while you're at it! Endorphins make you happy! :) It's a great way of getting refreshed and pumped to continue your research. Sitting inside all day will probably only drive you - and whoever lives with you, or your fellow researchers in the lab - insane!
Work Out/ Play Some Ball
Physical exercise is a great way of getting your mind off your project and de-stressing. Thrown around the basketball or shoot a puck around. Go for a run! It boosts your adrenalin levels and gets you ready to move on to the next stage of your project!
Read a Book/ Newspaper
Everyone's got a book that they've been meaning to read, but haven't had a chance - start reading it! Whenever you feel stressed, read another chapter! Not only will you get through the book, you'll be more relaxed during science fair season!
Alternatively, read your local newspaper - not only will that reduce stress, it'll keep you up on what's happening in the world around you.
Whatever you do, don't read another research paper/publication that relates to your project! You really do need a break!
Turn Off Your Cell/Don't Read E-mail
More often than not, interruptions from e-mail and your cell phone can lead to more stress when you're working on your project. So, when you really need to get something done, turn off your cell phone and don't check your e-mail for an hour or two. You'd be surprised at how well this can help you concentrate on your work!
When you're on your break, text like crazy until your thumbs hurt, and then get back to it!
Sleep.... Zzzzzz
This article was written by:
 |
Languages: |
English |
