Midterms and... Popcorn?

If there's anything I've learned in the past few weeks, it's that midterms=stress.  It's the dreaded time of year where teachers start pulling out all the stops and give you every possible assignment imaginable.  The symptoms of midtermitis are as follows:

1. Excessive yawning.
2. Sleeping in class.
3. More procrastination than usual.
4. Sweatpants and hoodies galore!
5. Chronic headache.
6. Cravings for exotic sounding desserts... or anything pictured on my friend's blog (which you can check out here)

Pic from weheartit.com
However true this might be, let me share with you a new perspective that I found fascinating.  Popcorn.

So, what is it that makes a tiny kernel transform into amazing, delectable popcorn?  Answer: pressure. There is a tiny bead of water inside each of the kernels that evaporates with heat and pressure and eventually bursts.  The result is popcorn!

Let's apply this little science lesson to midterms.  Imagine that you are a popcorn kernel.  You are currently small, flavorless and inedible.  But, after your teachers turn up the heat on the imaginary microwave of schoolwork, you burst and become something awesome!  Not to mention the enormous wave of relief and sense of accomplishment that accompanies having finished that daunting mountain of work.

So for all of you out there who are currently hacking your way through English essays and Biology homework, here are some of my suggestions to help alleviate your pain.

1. Dress nicely. Take a little more time than usual to get dressed in the morning.  There's no point in coming to school in sweatpants and a sweatshirt everyday.  When you look good, you feel good.  Another plus is that you aren't so likely to fall asleep during your geometry teacher's millionth droning lecture on triangles!
2. Get your daily eight hours of sleep.  You will feel more energized and your brain will too!  You'll end up doing much better on the actual tests.
3. DO. NOT. PROCRASTINATE.  I cannot stress this enough!  It will save you so much energy and sleep.  A little each day is the way to go, or else you risk becoming extremely overwhelmed.
4. Take breaks.  Listen to music, write in a journal, or watch an episode of your favorite TV show.  Do whatever it is that allows you to relax for a bit.  It'll work wonders!

Good luck everyone!