Goblin mode during the exam period
Oxford University Press declared goblin mode word of the year. Goblin mode is when you behave unashamedly lazy and sloppy in a way that rejects social norms. Sounds familiar? During the exam period, everyone is guilty of this from time to time: you sit inside a lot and cleaning is not your priority. This is perfectly normal at this time of year, but it’s best not to make a habit of goblin mode. With these tips, you’ll be in cleaning mode in no time!
OOTW: outfit of the week
Let’s face it: no one puts on a completely new outfit every day during the exams. But rolling out of bed and picking up yesterday’s sweatpants from the floor isn’t exactly the vibe either… How do you find a balance and avoid full goblin mode?
- Tip #1: already lay out your clothes for tomorrow to avoid reaching for that same jog again. Chances are, with sleepy eyes and a morning grump, you won’t feel like coming up with an outfit. To avoid reaching for that same jog again, it’s best to lay out an outfit the night before. It’s a small effort, but you’ll thank yourself in the morning. In this way, you already make your morning routine shorter by one task!
- Tip #2: Find a balance between comfy and stylish. Sitting in tight jeans on an office chair for eight hours is not exactly comfortable. But sometimes, spending an entire day in your hoodie and sweatpants has a negative impact on your self-esteem. Here too, balance is key. Opting for lazy pants? Then pair them with a sweater that makes you happy or add a few accessories, such as earrings or a nice watch. Life’s too short not to shine, even during the exams.
Karaoke foam party
Too cold in your dorm bathroom? Does it make showering feel like an obligation, rather than self-care? With these small adjustments, your attitude will change!
- Tip #3: download the Spotify playlist “Songs to sing in the shower” and roar away! This famous method has a 99.99% success rate. You see your bathroom transform into a secret karaoke bar with foam party vibes. Where’s that mic!
- Tip #4: Treat yourself. Since you make an effort to study every day, you deserve a little treat. Treat yourself to a fancy shower gel or a bubble bar. Light a scented candle, bring a plant to the bathroom and lay out your softest towel. Your dull bathroom will suddenly become an oasis of calm and you’ll feel like you’re in a spa. Bet you’re now looking forward to jumping into the shower.
Bedroom or dumpsite?
“Mamma mia, here I go again.” Is your room starting to look like a dump again? Can’t you see your desk through the clutter and are you in need of a permanent solution? Check this out!
- Tip 5: does it spark joy? You don’t have to be minimalist Marie Kondo to achieve a tidy workplace. With a little adjustment, her question becomes more appropriate for a student during the exams: “does it stress you out?!” Dozens of pens, a 2017 birthday card, extra notes from classmates that you’re probably not going to read anyway… All this stuff subconsciously makes you feel more stressed. If you already remove these unnecessary trinkets from your work table, you are already one step closer to an orderly room. And that’s all you really need during exams.
- Tip #6: deep cleaning can wait. We are aware that the previous tip may lead to obsessive spring cleaning of your dorm, but you really need to study now! So don’t be tempted by deep cleaning: if you start sorting, storing and labeling now, you will lose precious study time. That’s why it’s best to opt for this heavy-handed approach: grab one big box and throw all the stressful clutter in there. It is not the most sustainable solution, but it is a very efficient one. Marie Kondo allows it for once…
So no goblin mode for you with these six tips in mind! Do you still need external motivation to ditch those sweatpants today? Or would you rather leave that clutter on your desk? Thanks to STUDY360, you can study at various locations in and around the Antwerp student area. Numerous orderly, cozy study spots await you!
Oh and smash ‘em, those exams!
