So you're a college student and you have just returned from Thanksgiving break. After time spent at home, your motivation is dwindling and your desire to be done with the semester might be stronger than ever. Thanksgiving break was just enough of a tease to keep you longing for more at the soon to come winter break. Here are seven ways you can beat the pre-winter break blues:

1. Let yourself be a jolly little Christmas elf.

We all have finals, projects, presentations, and responsibilities, but you have to give yourself a break sometimes. Take a few hours this weekend to have a secret Santa with friends or watch your favorite Christmas movie!

2. See the positives.

3. Spend time with your friends.

You will be leaving in a couple weeks for break and you will miss your college friends once you do. Enjoy their company as much as you can even if it's studying in the library together on a Sunday night!

4. Make a home-cooked meal for yourself.

You just got back from Thanksgiving break after eating a week of delicious homemade food, and now you have to go back to the *gasp* dining hall for three weeks. Ask your family for one of your favorite recipes and test it out for yourself and a group of friends!

5. Do something for you.

Set a goal and reward yourself! Treat yourself to a festive peppermint mocha or an hour of Parks and Recreation after you ace that Spanish practical.

6. Get enough sleep.

Studying for hours on end can only do so much. After you put in the work get some shut-eye so you can excel at your work.

7. Remember the delayed gratification.

The end of the semester is a stressful period of time. Don't let that crush your motivation for everything you worked so hard for this semester! Put in the work now so you can play later. You'll be done before you know it and can enjoy all your favorite holiday activities with no regrets!