OK so as you read this you are probably still reminiscing about Thanksgiving break and desperately looking forward to winter break. There are about two weeks between you and finals. About three between you and home. In theory that does not sound like a long time. In reality, you have many sleepless nights ahead that you do not want to participate in. This is the point in the semester where the end is in sight, but you cannot give up your hard work yet. The first day you looked at your syllabi you probably thought all those projects and papers due December 1 would never come. Well here we are. December is upon is and so are those semester long assignments you promised yourself you would start in October or even November but the time seems to of slipped away.
In reality you will get everything passed in and done. How you finish everything is up to you. Your motivation may be low or nonexistent. That is okay. Motivation is not everything. Having a positive attitude and not feeling guilty when you don’t get every single thing done on your to-do list is essential. The more stressed out you feel, the less you will enjoy that last few weeks you have with your friends at school before you go on break.
Here are some tips to make this pre-break slump a little more tolerable and a little less trying:
1. Sleep
Scientifically proven that sleep deprivation is associated with high stress levels and bad health. You want to feel healthy and be rested. Never feel guilty about napping. If you are staring at your screen and all you can focus on is your next nap, you are probably not focusing on your work. Do your work when you can actually do it
2. Food
The sleepless nights and stress may cause you to skip meals or eat more foods that make you feel sick. Remember that your health does not ever stop. You have to put your health first. I, for example, never miss breakfast. It is a great way to start my day. Personally I find it helps me wake up. Regardless of when and what you eat make certain you are eating.
3. Water
Water is great for a lot of things, especially your brain. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and more importantly drink it. It can wake you up, give you a little extra energy and for kicks add ice. Refreshing.
4. Friends
Have a night out with your friends. Do something you enjoy like play with kitties and doggies or go for a walk or star gazing or go out to some parties. Anything that gets your mind off of the stress of work
5. Goals
Set some goals for upcoming deadlines and stick to it as much as you can. If you hold yourself accountable then when you reach your goals you’ll feel accomplished and ready to take on more
6. Love
Love you friends and family. Take the time to tell them how much you care and be appreciative for all they do. Listen when they need you, and give them advice when they ask for it. No matter how big or small your family or group of friends are their love is deep and something to remember each day. Remember them as you finish up the semester. Remember them as you go through those meltdowns in the library. Remember them as you get your grades back over break proving that you did perfectly fine.
