Its that time of year again, when college students are roused from their winter break comas and forced to resume their normal lives at university. This can be a rather traumatic transition for most of us, so I've compiled my very own "Second Semester Survival Guide." Use it wisely, and you can maintain your sanity this time around.
1. Do your best to establish a normal sleep pattern again.
I can't stress this enough, winter habits of staying up until two in the morning and sleeping until noon is not going to to cut it anymore. If you're like me and have your first 9 AM class this semester, or dont have classes until noon, its important to re-train your body to work on a normal schedule. Some ways to do this are to establish a routine at night to help yourself calm down, and to avoid electronics before trying to sleep. If you successfully do these things, you can bet you will feel the difference which will make you more productive.
2. Stay on top of your assignments; make them a priority
More than anyone i know that Netflix is so much more appealing than homework. But i also know that I end up regretting that choice when I have to stay up insanely late to finish it. So do yourself a favor, bang out that assignment, and when you're done, reward yourself with some well earned downtime.
3. Go to the gym once in awhile
Now I'm not about to get on a soapbox and preach about health, rather the gym is a really good and productive way to take a break from studying. Additionally, working out is a great way to relieve stress and frustration which will make you more pleasant. Heck work out often enough and you will start to have more energy which is always needed.
4. Stay calm
Above all, the most important thing you can do to succeed this semester is to remain calm and not panic. One bad grade or missed assignment is not going to tank your overall grade, so please do not beat yourself up over it. Take a moment to step back and regain perspective over what is going on in your life. Do your best, but realize that your grades do not define you, and you can do anything you put your mind to.
Follow these steps and you are that much closer to crushing this semester. I believe in you all. Good Luck!
