It happens to most, if not all students in their second year of college. The allure and magic of college has faded away and everything just seems to be about deadlines, deadlines and more deadlines. Many students call this the sophomore slump. The stress from academic expectations as well as extracurriculars can take a toll on people both psychologically and physically. The cold continuous winter doesn't seem to be helping much either. The sophomore slump is a rough period for many second year students, and I want to share some tips and tools to help make it a little more bearable.
1. Disconnect Yourself From Social Media.
Just temporarily. Sign off of Facebook and Twitter to save yourself from wasting time. You've been there. We all have. Our work is right in front of us, yet here we are scrolling through a newsfeed. You'll save yourself so much time and unnecessary stress if you just stay off social media sites even for just a few days! You can wait to like that picture of your friend who is studying abroad riding an elephant.
2. Make Time To See Your Friends.
I get it. You all have different schedules, so it becomes harder to see each other, especially if you all have different majors. Times clash and you begin to accept the fact that your friends have fallen off the face of the earth. Even if you can't see each other every day, keep consistent communication with each other. Create a group message or make time to all get dinner together on the weekend. Friends help you stay grounded, they know when you're struggling, and they remind you that you're not alone.
3. Talk To An Advisor Or Counselor.
Most sophomores have to declare their major by the end of the year, so in the hustle and bustle of schoolwork it's easy to consider rethinking your major. Is all of this work worth it? Is this what I want to pursue a career in? These questions are completely valid to ask yourself as well as the perfect reason to talk to an academic advisor. They are there to offer advice and help guide you toward finishing your major. If you don't have an advisor, make an appointment with a school counselor. They may not be able to answer questions you have about your major, but they can certainly give you advice on how to handle stress.
4. Find Or Create A Motivational playlist
Sometimes when bombarded with work, you just need a little push, a little motivation. One of the best and easiest ways to help put that motivation into your work is by listening to an awesome pump up playlist, whether you are into EDM beats or classical jams, there is a playlist for everyone. It's easy to make one, or if you don't have the time to make one yourself, go on Spotify, YouTube or 8Tracks. This is one of my personal favorites.
5. Download A Time Management App.
A college workload means you have to learn how to manage your time. Otherwise, no work gets done or you end up pulling multiple all nighters. Sometimes, planners just will not work. We forget them. We lose them. You know what we (usually) always have on us? Our phones. Go to the store on your smartphone and just type in "time manager" or "planner." Some apps I recommend include Timeful, Evernote, and Google Keep which can put your planner, alarm clock, calendar and note pad into one neat program!
6. Take Naps.
Face it, receiving at least eight hours of sleep would be a dream come true for you, but unfortunately you have a test and two papers due in two days. I've been there. I feel your pain, but making sure you still receive an adequate amount of rest each day is crucial. Even power naps, which range from about 10-20 minutes, can leave you feeling refreshed. I use a website called SleepyTimer to figure out how much sleep I need to feel well rested whether I am going to bed or taking a quick nap.
7. Call Someone From Home.
Regardless of whether you commute or go to a college across the globe, it is important to stay in contact with family from back home or friends at different colleges. They can offer fresh perspectives on any struggles you are having on campus. Besides, it is always important to keep in touch with loved ones!
8. Watch Something Funny.
For me, comedy heals all wounds. Laughter decreases stress hormones due to the brain's release of endorphins, which make us feel good and boosts our optimism. When I am feeling stressed out, I turn to something I know will make me chuckle. Don't know where to start on finding comedy? I mean, it's not hard, but this link right here will take you to a site that provides every episode of the popular improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway? Yep, even the older episodes!
10. Hold Back On The Caffeine.
While it sounds promising at first, those late nights awake on caffeine come at a price. The buzz is only temporary, and too many caffeinated drinks can lead to headaches, anxiety, and high blood pressure. Think before you drink (your next cup of coffee or Red Bull).
11. Treat Yourself!
Splurge a little! Buy that item on your Amazon Wishlist! Go shopping! Get a massage!
If none of these are helpful, just remember that we all get over the slump eventually. Together.
