Here we are, folks! The end of the second month of the semester slump is a real thing. We have already gotten through our first round of tests, and seeing some of those grades may not have boosted our motivation to study. In fact, I find that in this time of the year, the amount of work kind of seems never-ending. Luckily, through my years of over-studying, I have found several ways to make it more enjoyable. Here's to hoping studying feels less like stuDYING.

1. Find your study spot.

Mine is Starbucks. Find a place that has the perfect sound level for how your study. Some people study the best in complete silence. Others, like me, need some white noise. Starbucks plays an eclectic mix of top hits and "I've heard this before... maybe." Just don't sit next to girls who look like they are trash talking, because you will probably learn to much about "John" and how "he won't text me back."

2. Order something sweet.

Nothing makes studying sweeter than a sugary snack. Something about a blueberry muffin scientifically makes you work more efficiently. I would say, "be careful of the sugar crash," but we all know it is a myth.

3. Take a break every 20 minutes.

The "20/20/20 Rule" is a great way to manage yourself taking a break from staring at your screen. Every 20 minutes, you should look away from the screen at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. I would actually advise taking a five-minute break to either get up and walk around, call a friend or read a book. This will increase blood flow to your brain and significantly increase focus.

4. Use colored pens/markers.

Flair markers (http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-Porous-Point-12-P...) will change your life. These things write like pens, don't bleed, and the colors make even the dullest subjects look exciting.

(jetpens.com)

5. Create a quizlet.

This site is gold. Not only can you create your own flashcards, but you can look up flashcards that other people have made. Sometimes it even has flashcards for the exact class you are taking, saving you time and effort.