As we ever so slowly limp through the semester toward Thanksgiving (and eventually Winter Break), I find myself struggling more and more to wake up, jump into my responsibilities, and finish all of my work in one sitting like I did just two months ago. Call it burn out or just plain end of the semester exhaustion, but it seems to affect me every year around this time. So how do I fight it? Here are my own tips for surviving these last few weeks of the fall semester.
1. Sleep.
If you find yourself nodding off during class or halfway through your review session, you need to listen to your body. It needs rest. You will finish that problem set tomorrow morning. Go to sleep as soon as possible.
2. Get proper nutrition.
It is easy to either stress eat like crazy or forget to eat at all when you are extremely stressed. Food is important to keep you fueled up and ready to face your tasks. You want to feel at your best to perform your best, and the path to success begins with your stomach.
3. Stay active.
Go on a jog, go to the gym, do something active to blow off steam when you are not getting the results you want in your lab report. Do not fall into the trap of staying in bed all day. Keeping active will keep you feeling energized and refreshed.
4. Take breaks.
You are not a machine. Watch a short video between problem sets or grab dinner with friends. Walk from one library to the other. Give your body (and brain!) a break from work as needed.
5. MAKE time for hobbies.
No one can do work and only work for weeks or even days straight. Do the things you love and enjoy doing them. You will be happier, and happy hands create better results. In addition, having fun events to look forward to will keep your eyes on the prize and get you through this time.
6. Reach out.
If you are struggling, get the help that you need. Whether your problem is academic or just life-related, seek out resources. And early. The only regret you will have is waiting too long to make that first move.
7. Do what YOU need to do.
It is okay to be selfish sometimes and check out if you need it. Listen to your body and your mind. Do what you need to to power through.
Hang in there. Break will be here before you know it.
