As the week before Spring Break quickly approaches, we are at the start of "Midterm Week". I know I am not alone in the feeling of looking at the calendar and asking where the semester went, or more importantly where all this work came from! As of now I have to five pages for my senior research that I'm still not 100% on, a three page response to a unknown students work, 10 pages response to two poetry-based questions, and have to read close to fifty pages and respond to them. I'm so glad this doesn't have to be print, or I would be solely responsible for planting (or destroying) a small forest. With all this work, it is no surprise that have no idea where to start or desire to start. Therefore, I have created this list to on overcoming the mental block that most students have this week.
1. Music
Music just opens up the brain and gets our bodies moving. As I sit in my room writing this, my head is bobbing to the beat of "Terrible Things" by Mayday Parade. I find it relaxing and it also adds noise to my room. Since I have my own room, the silence just adds more stress and makes me think of all the other things I have to do. More stress is not what I need, but a random dance party when I feel like throwing the computer is just what the doctor ordered.
2. Netflix
This can be difficult. You do not want to spend the whole day watching an entire season of Supernatural, but an episode (or two; remember to exert self-control) can help you get back on track to get all your work done. You won't get any work done if you are thinking about Coleridge's childhood when you should be writing about this student needs to use sources rather than opinion.
3. Journal
As girly as that sounds, free writing also helps you organize your thoughts. Write down why you are frustrated, or how much you hate the class or teacher or assignment. Vent into the journal post, knowing that no one will ever see it lets you be honest about your feelings. Or maybe write an Odyssey article. Then once that is all out, let out a deep breathe and get back down to business.
4. Change of Setting
Usually I am in my room when I work. But when I just keep hitting the mental block I'll move to the library, the coffee shop, or even the common room if I am that desperate. New space equals new mind setting. I am also less likely to fall asleep in the coffee shop than I am in my room when I just want to give up. I mean I walked all the way over there with all my stuff, so I am going to get something done. I refuse to put on pants for no reason!
5. Sleep
I know this sounds counter productive, but honestly it is a last resort. If you have been working on a paper for a couple hours, and you just keep slamming yourself into a wall then you need to stop. It isn't worth you have a melt down and not getting anything done. Save your work, mark your spot, and close your eyes. Take a couple hours in dream land to calm yourself down. Then when you wake up you will be well rested to take on this task again. If nothing else, at least you got some sleep for the all nighter that is bound to happen.
Good luck, and remember that you are almost at Spring Break. A week of relaxation and sleeping in. You can do it! And even if you can't, you have a whole second half to fix it!
