By this time in the semester, there are no words. You’re either too tired to say them or too busy to think them. The assignments are piling up, and you’re working endlessly to catch up. Trust me, I understand. It’s hard to think about the quickly approaching deadlines of all the things that need to get done, but trust me, they will get done. Even though these next few weeks might seem like a never-ending sprint to some unforeseen finish line, we will get there, and we will all cross that finish line. Here are some tips to ease that mid-semester stress:
1. Take a deep breath
And then take another, because most likely you are too busy to put down what you are doing, or break from your homework trance to take a step back. If you can take a moment to just stop and breathe, you’ll realize that you actually have more time on your hands than you think. It’s important to take a second for yourself, especially when you are trying to do everything for everyone else.
2. Listen to music
Not only is it calming, but it’s motivating. If you’re in a slump, and in no way able to continue that research paper or study for that next exam, just take a break and listen to music. Some people like working with music on, others find it distracting, but whatever your preference, try to find yourself a relaxing playlist to ease your anxieties while you study.
3. Change your surroundings
Need a change of pace? Try to find a new place to study to change up the banality of schoolwork. There’s nothing like finding a hidden nook somewhere you didn’t even know existed. If the scenery is pretty, better chance you’ll feel better and happier. Also, it helps to work surrounded by other people working, it's so much easier to get motivated when everyone else is too.
4. Try caffeine
When all else fails, coffee and tea are saviors. There’s no other way to put it. They are the most reliable study partners.
5. Eat candy and snacks
There’s nothing like eating your feelings when you’re sad and stressed. Ice cream can do wonders at 11 p.m. on a Wednesday, let me tell you. Also, eating brain food is key to succeeding. And again, it changes up your study schedule.
6. Find moral support
Turn studying into a social event to hang out with friends and get things done together. Sometimes this is the best way to see your friends, what with all of their crazy-busy schedules. You may not have much time to hang out and talk, but at least you’ll be getting through all your work together. Plus, your friends are always there when you need to vent about an assignment.
7. Exercise
You may live at the gym, or may have never gone a day of your life. Either way, going to the gym and working out is a great way to alleviate stress. The sports center is almost always open so try to go at night, in the morning, for a scheduled spin class or to lift after class. You’re bound to feel better with all those extra endorphins in your system.
8. Take breaks
Breaks are just as important as studying. Some people think they need to cram in as much information as they can for hours on end, but it doesn’t work that way. Our brains actually need breaks to help us maintain our focus and energy levels. Plus, a nice, relaxing break can rejuvenate you to start working again, and actually be more productive. Watch some Netflix, call home, or go out with friends, because we are in college and it’s important to remember that schoolwork isn’t everything.
9. Remember: it's a journey, not a destination
Cliché but true. By this time in the semester, it’s easy to look towards the upcoming breaks, and towards that liberating moment when that last final is turned in. But at the end of the semester, you’ll remember those endless nights studying and laughing with friends, going out the weekend after a big test, and bonding with your roommate as you watch Netflix and eat popcorn. Those are the memories worth remembering. Yes, there’s stress in between, but that just comes with the territory in college. Try not to let stress consume you these next few weeks because that is temporary, but the memories are forever.
