We did it! We're in the final stretch of the semester, where any project could break it or make it. Honestly, guys? I'm tired. I'm ready for maybe 18 naps and more than a couple hugs from my mom. I can't begin to tell you how hard it is to even get out of bed anymore. It's a miracle I'm still passing my classes, but I have a couple of coping mechanisms that I think help the semester go by quicker.
1. Take Pee Breaks
I will 100% admit to using the bathroom as an excuse to get out of a class. It can be hard sometimes to stay awake, especially in a stuffy classroom right after lunch with just the right amount of white noise... Anyway, a simple way to break out of that doze is to take a quick pee break. You don't even really have to do anything other than take up a stall(try to use the one no one likes anyway), and sit on your phone or do something to wake yourself up. I would sometimes walk around the hallways in high school to get some blood flowing into my brain
2. Assess Usefulness
Listen, we've all tried to pull allnighters that ended fairly poorly. At some point, you've got to admit to yourself that you are of no use to anybody and just go to bed. Even if it means getting up early in the morning, I find it's easier to finish a project in the morning when my brain is less fuzzy. Make sure you're taking a mental inventory of what you can and can't do.
3. Halt Nervous Habits
I have some of the most unhealthy habits when it comes to my stress, namely biting off my fingernails. In order to stop myself, I put bandaids on the ones that I'm likely to rip so I don't cause more injury. If your nervous habit is tapping a pencil against a desk, make sure you put something soft and cushiony under it. If it's biting your lips, try coating your lips in bad tasting lip balm. I'm not guaranteeing a complete abolishment of anxious habits, just a start.
4. Set Reward Systems
It's a proven psychological fact -- positive reinforcement, or rewarding good behaviors, actually works! So reward yourself for doing your work! If you got a big assignment done on time, or even early, let yourself take a quick(operative work here being "quick") break and maybe eat a bit of your favorite food! The other side of this is you have to force yourself to not unjustly reward yourself.
5. Homework Parties
Sometimes things get done, and sometimes it's genuinely a good break to complain about how much work you all have. Either way, it's nice and healthy to get together with other people and do something. A quick text -- "homework party in student union?" -- is sure to elicit a response.
6. Prioritize
This is the time of year where procrastination will likely be at it's highest so make sure you're planning out what to do when. Start with the things that are due tomorrow. Even if they're easier than your larger assignments, better to get them out of the way first.
7. Procrastinate With Other Work
I know it sounds crazy and undoable, but hear me out. Sometimes, when I really don't want to do an assignment, I purposefully look for another assignment to do. That way, I'm still being productive while staying true to my lazy ways.
8. Get Out!
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you have to get out and do something. So long as you plan it accordingly in your schedule and block out the time it'll take to have some fun. Plus, you sometimes have to sleep on something to figure it out. Don't feel guilty for taking some time for yourself.
9. Study Music
Listen, it sounds super hippy dippy, but looking up "study waves" on youtube actually, gets stuff done, mostly if you buy into it. Just turn that on and power through it pal! I'm sure there's some kind of science behind all of it, but honestly, I just find it nice and soothing. Also, people are less likely to bug you with stupid stuff if you have music playing, and I find that's the #1 way that I get distracted.
10. Email Your Professors
Even if it's only to ask for constructive criticism or to set up a quick meeting to talk about an assignment, sometimes professors can relieve a lot of stress by helping you to understand a new concept. Plus, professors are human; they understand what "stress" is. If you end up losing your mind because of some looming deadline, they will help you. It's almost like it's in their best interest for you to pass!
11. Talk To Your Support System
Whether it's your parents, your friends at home, or your friends at college, always remember that they should still be there for you when you need them. I recently called my mom and just left her a voicemail about my life and it made me feel a lot better. So if you can, reach out and get that stress off your chest.
12. Study Somewhere New
Sometimes, monotony breeds boredom. Switch it up every once in a while! And try to stay away from studying in your room. I always find that makes me want to just take a nap and forget about my problems for a while, which is a surefire way to not get stuff done.
13. Focus on One Thing
Sometimes, you just don't have the time to do anything but focus on the one thing that's due in 3 hours and change(I'm looking at you, half finished philosophy paper). At that point, you just have to buckle up and suffer through it. You'll feel slightly better than you did before and can even reward yourself!
14. Stay Comfy
It's hard to do an unpleasant activity when you don't feel comfortable. So, when the going get's tough, the tough get into a comfy pair of sweatpants and a ratty t-shirt.
15. Look Good
It's a weird saying(especially after the last item) but the age old saying "look good, feel good, do good" actually works. So, if you're feeling down in the dumps, put a little extra effort into your morning routine today! Maybe you put on some more eyeshadow to make your eyes pop, or a really adorable dress shirt. Either way, if you feel like you look even marginally better than you normally do, you're on the fast path to success!
