So, now that the first week of mind labor is over, how are you feeling? Tired, overly sarcastic, pumped for Homecoming when we finally get a shorter day of classes? School definitely has its benefits, but let’s be honest with ourselves: sometimes six classes a day makes your brain feel like mush. But, not to fear, we have come up with the top activities that can help you deal with these back to school blues.

1. Do some yolo-ing.
Take a break from your homework and drive to Excelsior and watch the sunset. Dance around school between your classes. Eat twenty bags of skittles because candy is delicious. Jump off a cliff, as long as there is water at the bottom (and maybe wear a life jacket). Take a risk and enjoy yourself. Sometimes it’s better to clear your mind than stuff it with APUSH knowledge.

2. Get pumped for weekends
Now that your week is filled with exams and lectures, the weekends seem far more exciting! So look forward to those Friday nights where you can throw your backpack on your bedroom floor and scream at football games instead.

3. Jam out whenever possible
In the car, while your getting ready in the morning, during work time in class, music is my getaway from stress. If you are looking for some indie rock music, hit me up, but otherwise I suggest finding some awesome singers and yodeling in the shower once in a while.

4. Join clubs or activities to make going to school more fun
I’m in love with so many clubs at Minnetonka, and they truly do help me enjoy school. Yeah, I bet debate does not sound that enticing to all of you, but that’s what is so amazing about MHS; there are clubs for everyone! So if you do not find a cool club to join at the Activities Fair, start your own, get involved, and enjoy the time you have at this school.

5. Make study dates
Studying. Maybe it’s a compound word, short for student-dying? Well, we can fix that no problem! Make study dates. Perhaps there’s that special someone out there, and he’s super great at math. Of course, studying with him might be a special night of homework. But, in all seriousness, studying with someone whether that be your special someone or just a friend, helps you focus and get homework done!

6. Eat – And Seniors, go out to lunch
What’s the best way to drown your sorrows and perhaps gain a few pounds? Eat! Treating yourself, especially with candy, is a go-to option when you are stressed out or sad about your load of homework. I’m not encouraging obesity (cough Michele Obama cough) but treat yourself once and awhile!

7. Decorate everything (books, planners, iPads)
You’ve got to stare at them all day long, so why not enjoy it? Put pictures of friends, funny sayings, or stickers all over your books. It may brighten your day a little to remember things that you love.

8. Go to dances and participate in MHS spirit weeks
Yes, Hawaiian outfits may look a tad awkward, but joining in with the MHS spirit is worth it! There are so many fun events and students create these activities just for you! So participate in everything you can. Who cares if you do not have a date for homecoming? Be an independent rock star and go yourself!

9. Find cool places to do homework
One of my favorite places to sit and think, maybe read or write sometimes, is the Arboretum. Carver Park is a close second. I am happy at these places. It is quiet, breezy, and comforting. These places are where I can best do my homework and still enjoy myself. So, I suggest finding a place of your own like this! Maybe that’s simply your bedroom, but the homework hide-a-way is a must if you want to enjoy the readings you will get in history class.

10. Embrace the free education
We are here, whether we like it or not. So enjoy yourselves! Find your passion and raise your hand in class. There will always be something that is the bane of your school existence, but if you can actually look forward to a class it makes the whole school day more bearable. If I may say so myself, school is fun! But, hey that’s the nerd in me speaking.