Ah yes, December. One of the most magical yet frustrating times of the year – especially if you happen to be a student. The sheer dichotomy of seeing happy children running around, enjoying the Christmas lights as you haphazardly clutch your phone, constantly updating Moodle to see whether you passed your exam or not, frustration eating you alive.
It’s at moments like this you come to realise that your brain has officially reached the point of 40% caffeine 40% cortisol and 20% homesickness. Dark days and long nights make it feel like you have reached a point of no return, but fear not! As this is all nothing but falsehoods. As an exam season virtuoso, I have compiled a list of many of my favourite spots in Tartu to detox your brain from all the stress. Going to these places, even for a few hours, seems to neutralise most of my worries and generally decrease my Moodle screen time.
- University of Tartu Botanical Garden
I truly believe that there is no spot more peaceful than the Botanical Garden. Whether you are smelling the intoxicating aroma of peonies in May, or enjoying the lush greenery of the greenhouse, the botanical garden is a safe haven during all seasons. The garden is open from from 16 October to 14 April from 7:00 to 19:00, and from 15 April to 15 October from 7:00 to 21:00. With all of these perks, it is also free for students! It’s like enjoying nature minus the risk of Lyme disease!
- Gym
Now, I am probably the least athletic person in the room, however, there is no denying that an active lifestyle has positive effects on mental health. I myself have made the mistake of avoiding the gym during exam season in order to “have more time to study.” This only made me more stressed and unfit. Working out even once a week can have a profoundly positive effect on your psyche, which is so important for maintaining yourself for exams. A great place to start would be the University of Tartu Sports Centre, or Latin Passion if you are more of a dance fanatic. So, put your phone away and find the nearest yoga, kickboxing, or bachata class!
- Supermarket strolling
I am fully aware that this is a weird one, but hear me out: it’s like a museum, a shop, and a chore to tick off at the same time! Sometimes strolling around a large supermarket helps me turn off my brain as I walk among the isles of variously cut pickles, rows of “Kalev” chocolates and stacks of “rukkileib.” I genuinely find this to be one of the easiest, most accessible, and most productive ways to briefly distract myself from all the academic chaos in my life.
- Swimming
Although this should be under the same category as sports, swimming deserves its own spot in the de-stressing tier list. Grab a friend, a swimsuit and relax those tense muscles and neurons for a weekend! I highly recommend Aura Keskus, thanks to its ISIC card discounts for students. Another life hack: it is actually cheaper at certain times of the day, so stay on the lookout for that!
- Enjoy a warm beverage!
As basic as it sounds, sometimes the best medicine for the soul is a steaming, fragrant hot cup of tea. Maybe it’s the Estonian cold, or maybe it’s my Azerbaijani roots, but either way, there is nothing more calming and comforting than a cup of tea. From sweet, spicy Bratapfel tea to earthy and rich “Azerçay,” tea has always had my back. A great place to start your tea journey could be Würtspood.
In conclusion, I genuinely believe that a stressed brain is a tired brain, and a tired brain cannot retain information to full capacity. That being said, sometimes the best way to conquer exams is to step away, recharge, and come back stronger. Good luck on your exams!
All pictures are author’s own.
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