It’s that time of the year; we’ve officially surpassed midterms and are heading into the soon-to-be-finals season. While most of the hard part is over you may be feeling drained by all the hard work you have been doing so far this semester. Well, it’s no time to quit now. I’m here to tell you how to keep going and be your best self during this time of the semester.
Clean Room, Clean Mind
The first tip I have is one that ideally keeps me going about my days with less worries. One of the most important things I always keep up with is prioritizing a tidy room. Your room reflects your state of mind; it is a representation of your identity and close self. It’s the space where you start your day and end it. For some people, it might be where you spend a lot of your time. Treat it like your mind; it’s not something you want to be cluttered. Waking up knowing you have an organized room can give you a jump start for all that you have to do that day.
To-Do List
Having a to-do list can keep all assignments and priorities spread out at your disposable. Having various responsibilities can be hard to manage but seeing them written out can make it easier to process your thoughts. Don’t be afraid to drop any homework assignments you have planned that day you can’t give your best at. We can’t do it all. I also can have a difficult time thinking I can do so much at once. If something does overwhelm you don’t feel guilty dropping it from the to-do list. If things start to feel stressful, step back and breathe. Remind yourself of your long-term goals—what you are doing this for. Maybe start working on the assignment, get your ideas out, then move onto a task that is also productive but doesn’t necessarily need to be for a grade. Once you accomplish something on your to-do list, treat yourself; you deserve it.
Do Something Fun or Creative
I remember when I was a freshman, I didn’t take my mind off school. Thinking about it constantly would just make me more anxious about upcoming tasks. Being new to college then and learning to understand how being wrapped up in academics can also cause stress. I started going to the gym and made sure to get quality time for hanging out with my friends. It is scientifically proven exercising can certainly reduce stress and enlighten the mood, as well as other activities you enjoy doing away from school. Never feel guilty for prioritizing time for you, it can always help clear your mind just doing something else. Find a hobby you like and try to find room for it in your schedule!
Don’t Forget to Rest
Staying up late at night will not keep you motivated, especially in the next morning. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, set a time you could stop going on your phone. I find scrolling on TikTok stimulates my brain to stay awake. The best thing I do to help myself fall asleep is either watch a comfort TV show or even a sleep meditation. Yes, I have found that taking a few deep breaths and listening to frequencies will stop any constant thoughts going on in my brain. During the day if you feel foggy and tired, take a 10-to-20-minute nap to get right back to work.
I hope that any of these tips were helpful. I know that some personally help me, but others are proven for motivation. Good luck on the rest of the term!