It's that dreaded time of year; the time when seemingly every single professor chooses to have their midterm exam, or essay, or project, and you find yourself slowly being crushed by a mountain of assignments. These couple of weeks can be extremely overwhelming, especially because at this point, all you want is for the semester to be done. Here are a few positive affirmations to keep you going through the incredibly complicated assignments, the all-nighters you have to pull to finish them, and the rough classes the morning after.
1. Focus on the here and now.
I know all too well that it can be easy to get stressed about all of the things on your to-do list. Personally, I tend to write things on it that are several days away because I want to make sure I don't forget anything. But one of the best pieces of advice I've been given is to only focus on one day at a time. Think about exactly what needs to be done for the next day, and accomplish those things. The rest of the items can wait until they need to be done for the next day they're due. It will keep you from stressing too much about things that are far off in the distance, and will help you be more present in your everyday life.
2. Take time for yourself.
Some people are lucky enough to be really good at making time for themselves during a busy schedule. Others of us are not quite so lucky. It can be difficult to remember to take some time for yourself when you're in the midst of a calendar full of events, practices and assignments. But I promise giving yourself even just a half hour every day will greatly improve how you're feeling and will help your work in the long run. If you're doing homework for 40 minutes, for example, take the other 20 minutes of the hour to watch an episode of your favorite show, or go walking, or write in your journal. Take care of yourself, and it will be obvious in all of your projects.
3. Go easy on yourself.
I personally have the hardest time with this one. I push and push myself to be the best at everything I'm doing, which can be a good thing sometimes. Other times, however, it can really have an adverse effect on my health and well-being. It's important to remember that you shouldn't overwork yourself because you feel like you need to be the best in everything. That can be a tough thing to realize, especially if you're a perfectionist (like myself). But there's no way you can possibly be the best in everything, so focus on the things you excel at and you will shine. The rest doesn't matter, and if you do mess something up or it doesn't turn out perfect, don't beat yourself up about it. What matters is that you tried the hardest you could in that moment.
4. You are doing a good job!
Whether you hear this all the time from your peers or it's your first time hearing those words this semester, here is a reminder that you are a strong person who is kicking butt at whatever you are doing. I know all the crazy things going on in your life are weighing on you now, but keep doing what you're doing. It may not feel like it to you, but I know you are killing it! Keep pushing to get your stuff done, even if it's tiring, even if it's stressful, and I promise it will all be worth it in the end. And just think, break is getting closer every day!
You can do this. Go out there and show this semester what you're made of!
