Handy hints for preventing study overload


Nhan

Nguyen

Only a few more weeks to go. What's a sane student to do to keep his or her mind on the studies at hand? Just a few more papers and exams, and then it'll all be over - for this semester. But how can you make it till then?

Not to worry - There are plenty of things to do that can keep your brain from oozing out of your head like gravy through a strainer. Cut out this column, laminate it and put it on your refrigerator, because it could help you again this time next semester.

Lie down. That's right, lie down and look at the sky. For most of us, this is something we haven't done in years. Do it at night and you'll really see what you've been missing. While you're down there, have a gander at comet Hale-Bopp.

Go for a spin. If you can afford the time, you won't be sorry if you can get behind the wheel and cruise the open road late at night (or early morning), when there's little or no traffic to raise your blood pressure. You'll be surprised how therapeutic a smooth drive down an empty freeway feels.

Go back to nature. If you're like me, Houston's wide expanses of pavement hardly qualify as beautiful, and are often an eyesore at best. Since we can't all go to the country, I can recommend a small place that is quiet, peaceful and very green.

The Edith Moore Nature Sanctuary is made up of miles of dirt trails with trees to the left and right. There's even a little creek that runs through it (which is, unfortunately, littered with garbage). You'll see rabbits during the day and fireflies at dusk. And once you go at least a quarter-mile into the trails, the trees begin to muffle the sounds of the city, and then you're in a quiet and beautiful place.

To get there, go to the intersection of Wilcrest and Memorial. Then go east on Memorial and, about a quarter-mile down, turn right on Wilchester (opposite Wilchester is a big Century 21 sign). On the left, just after Wilchester curves left, is a driveway into the sanctuary. The parking area doesn't fit more than maybe ten cars, so carpool if many of you plan to go.

Listen to some old tunes. Pop in some stuff from the '70s and '80s. Go ahead, put in the best of Earth, Wind and Fire, Blondie or (God forbid) Glass Tiger. As I'm typing this, I'm actually listening to the soundtrack of Transformers: The Movie.

Now that you're done laughing, wipe those tears from your eyes and pop in those old cassettes, albums and eight-tracks. Don't get carried away, though. Just listen to them when you're on a study break.

Whatever you plan to do for a breather, the point is to take your mind off studying for a while to let your brain recharge. After doing so, your brain will hopefully be able to study better. Study hard!

Nguyen is a senior RTV major.