It’s that awkward end-of-semester time – the time of the year when the sun starts taunting you to come out and play instead of study, when summer and a long break is close enough to taste, but far enough to still be a dream. Well, choosing one over the other may not be an issue.

Although exams and projects are beginning to pile up, now is a perfect time to enjoy all that springtime has to offer while still getting work done and keeping emotions and high stress at bay. Here are some ways to be productive as the weather begins to change and still enjoy the scenery.

Benefits of the outdoors (mind)

Improved attitudes during warm weather months are not a myth. The exposure to sunlight stimulates the pineal gland (also known as the third eye) in the brain, which increases serotonin, a chemical that promotes good feelings in the brain. It also helps relieve depression.

‘Sunlight can also generate more vitamin D in the body,’ said Dessa Bergen-Cico, a professor of health and wellness at Syracuse University. ‘The lack of sunlight during the winter weather doesn’t allow people to get enough exposure to vitamin D. We need vitamin D to promote healthy biorhythms.’

Things to do outside (body)

Walking alone or with company can ease the mind and also makes for good aerobic exercise.

‘When walking alone it can be a more contemplative activity,’ Bergen-Cico said. ‘You can do a moving meditation through being mindful of that fact that you are walking. Just take a slow, intentional stroll.’

College students can benefit from these reflective walks because they usually need the time and space alone. It can be restorative, Bergen-Cico said.

Even just sitting outside can be a calming activity.

‘Encountering things that are greater than the human being can be awe-inspiring,’ Bergen-Cico said.

Activity (body)

It’s not necessary to run a marathon in order to stay fit and bask in the outdoors. There are easygoing ways to engage in informal physical activity. Games like Wiffle ball, kickball, capture the flag or a simple game of catch are fun, and even the athletically challenged can appreciate them. Other games such as hide-and-seek, tag or even just playing in the park are games from childhood that get the blood flowing and never get old (unless there are younger kids on the playground).

Spaces

Syracuse offers great spots to enjoy the scenery. There’s the Quad, Thornden Park, the field outside of the Women’s Building, the hill right outside of Crouse College, and if the sunset is breathtaking, visit the College of Law at night and look out over the city.

Stress (soul)-sidebar

While staying organized is always a good way to get work done, another plan to relax the mind and be productive at the end of the semester is to remain positive.

It’s easy to get immersed in the stress, Bergen-Cico said. It’s important to realize that it will be over soon.

As hard as it may seem, eating well and sleeping decent hours are also key to lowering stress – that and knowing when it’s time to do something else, Bergen-Cico said.

‘Know when you’ve had enough and take a break.’

Dangers

* Make sure you stay hydrated

* Take care of allergies

* Watch out for plants such as poison ivy

* When biking, walking, jogging, etc., look for cars and keep iPod music low enough to hear what is going on.

kaoutram@syr.edu

Published on April 21, 2009 at 12:00 pm