As we reach the second week of October, the mid-semester slump begins. More homework piles on, the weather changes, you get busier, and midterms begin to arrive. I'm sure many of us have the same emotions at this point--a nice mix of panic and tears as we realize it's time to get our sh** together. But don't freak out too much because, believe it or not, there are always ways to help you overcome that slump. (Warning: some are easier said than done)
1. Treat yo’self at least once a week.
Now don't go crazy and buy the entire store, but get that brownie at Starbucks or buy that Cosmo magazine while you're in line at Target. It's okay to spend an extra dollar or two here and there if it makes you feel better and brightens your day. This is definitely an easy one to do every week.
2. Power naps can become your best friend.
Taking a short nap (20-30 minutes) when you can barely make it through that boring lecture without falling asleep can re-energize you. Try not to be one of those kids sleeping on the couch at a student lounge, but if you really can't make it home then so be it. Pass out and have no shame.
3. Schedule study times into your day.
Sounds easy, right? EH, wrong. It's harder than you might think because you actually have to stick to it and study. It will help keep you organized, up-to-date, and pulling less all-nighters throughout the semester (hopefully).
4. Find a dog on campus and pet the sh** out of it.
Find dogs on and around campus and just love that animal so hard (with consent from the owner of course). Therapy animals are a thing for a reason; you can literally pet away stress, sadness, and anxiety.
5. Go to office hours.
It will help you out if you're beginning to struggle in one of your classes. I know you're told every year that office hours are a great resource, but believe it or not, the people saying that are actually right. Shocking, I know.
6. Hit the gym.
You can run away from your problems...literally. Working out produces helpful chemicals in your body and makes you feel energized. Yeah, it might sound hard if you're not much of a gym person, but just going 20-30 minutes a day can help reduce your stress.
7. Remember that you aren’t alone in this.
Everyone is going through a similar slump. It's the middle of the semester and it's finally hitting everyone that school has really started and it's time to lose that summer mindset. UGH, I know. But remember that you have friends to struggle with you.
8. Quit the snooze button.
This might be the hardest one to actually do. Placing your alarm clock or phone far away from your bed forces you to get up right away in the morning making it harder to keep hitting snooze. Try your hardest to resist that snooze button--you can do it!
9. Make to-do lists!
This is another best friend you'll discover as the semester continues. To-do lists help you keep track of what you've done and what you still need to do in that day, week, or even month. It keeps you organized and helps you stop forgetting important assignments and tasks.
10. Put motivational notes everywhere.
Yeah, this does sound corny, but honestly it can be really nice to look on the fridge or in the mirror and see a nice quote to start your day. It's always good to have a reminder to stay motivated. The quotes could be something deep from a Hallmark card or something funny, yet inspirational. Just remember to love yourself like Kanye loves Kanye and you'll be good to go.
