The middle of the semester is almost worse than the end of the semester, because, at least by the time finals roll around, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With so much going on and your multi-tasking levels at capacity, here're a few ways you can help avoid the burnout you're already feeling and finish the semester strong.
1. Make A To-Do List
Make a to-do list, but do NOT make it a mile long. Instead, it's best to only put what HAS to be done on the list and add to it later, when you've checked off most of the items. Looking at a long to-do list may only make you feel more stressed and less likely to actually finish those tasks.
2. Drink Water. Not Coffee
Coffee is so good and solves all of my problems, every single day of the week. But sometimes I drink coffee after 3 p.m. and really regret it the instance I get into bed. Sometimes I forget to drink enough water, especially when I've filled myself with coffee all day. Unfortunately, coffee dehydrates you. So, help yourself out, drink an extra glass of water. It will actually help you feel better and think clearly.
3. Use Your Strong Habits
GiphyHopefully, you've created some really strong habits at the beginning of the semester for how much time you spend studying versus how much time is spent on your phone. Maybe you even eat at the same time each day. Make sure you work extra hard to stick to your good study habits, your beginning of the semester time management skills and healthy your eating patterns. Sticking with those good habits you formed early on will help you get out of tough spots later in the semester.
4. Get Sleep
Get sleep--eight hours, like a good night's rest. Try going to bed a little earlier or staying off your devices the hour before you crawl in. We as college students struggle so much with getting a good night's rest. Staying off your phone the hour before you go to bed can help your brain wind down from the day. Getting a full eight hours of sleep can even help you retain information better for that mid-term you are stressing about.
5. Take A Personal day
Taking a personal day can be really beneficial to your mental health. Just make sure that you plan it so that you are not missing anything big and so you won't be more stressed when you get back from a missing a day. Even if you can't swing a full day, taking just an hour to drink some tea or nap or watch Netflix can give you the little break you need to finish everything for the day.
The mid-semester slump is the actual worst because we still have too many weeks until Thanksgiving to be counting down the days towards sleep, bliss, and mountains of turkey, but we're definitely exhausted from the daily grind of everything. No matter what you do to feel better, make sure you actually do it, because staying sane should always be a priority. Being healthy and at 100% makes everything easier.
