That point in the semester has come where after a stressful and busy seven months, college is seemingly testing just how tough our minds have grown to become. The thought of waking up for another 8:00am gets painfully more difficult each morning. The unpredictable weather has the few warm days playing tricks on us, making us believe that Spring is here to stay, only to let us wake up in disappointment when the weather app proves otherwise. As we study for midterms, we find our thoughts wondering to what memories we may create this upcoming Summer. As we snap out of these comforting notions, it hits us that we still have a month of school left. We then alarmingly realize that these books won’t read themselves, the tests won’t take themselves, and our 8:00am’s won’t be any later. So how can we real our focus and motivation back in? Here are some suggestions on how to survive the second semester home stretch.
1. Head to the Gym
Trying to study for a test, but find yourself scrolling through the same instagram pictures over and over? Suddenly an hour has passed and you realize no new pictures have updated your feed and no progress has been made whatsoever on your paper due at midnight. Instead of furthering your procrastination, find the drive to hit the gym for an hour and clear your mind. By giving yourself a mental break, you’ll be able to regain the energy needed to tackle that dreadful paper.
2. Take a Hike!
With hiking trails just 15 minutes from the UMass campus, head to Mt. Holyoke with some friends for a chance to withdraw your mind from schoolwork and appreciate nature while taking in the beautiful views from up top.
3. Find a New Focus Spot
For many of us, doing homework in our dorm or at the library has recently felt boring, repetitive, and difficult to focus in. Try switching study spots. Head to a local Starbucks or Barnes & Nobles for a change of scenery. Order your favorite coffee and pastry to accompany you while you dedicate a few hours to finishing up your assignments for the week.
4. Tidy up your Space
Have you attempted to do school work, but something distracts you from the task at hand? Next time take a look around. Personally, I find it challenging to focus on school work when my room is a mess. Rather than procrastinating upcoming tasks, take a break and clean up your mess! Get rid of that anxiety in the back of your mind and take 15 minutes to quickly fold your laundry.
5. Get a Good Night Sleep
Think about it, you’ve been constantly on-the-go since August/September. Those late night study sessions or 3am food cravings coming back from a night out are taking a toll on your body. Your body is worn and tired, begging for a break. Listen to your body and aim to be in bed early a few nights per week. This will allow you to rejuvenate and be ready for the week/weekend ahead.
Next time you’re feeling stressed from school and all you want is to crawl in bed and nap away your problems, give these tips a try. It’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty glass. So take some well deserved time for yourself and build up enough mental stability and energy to power through the rest of this semester. T-1 month till Summer; the countdown has begun!
Images: 1. courtesy of authur, 2. courtesy of Renee (UMass student), 3. courtesy of author, 4. courtesy of author, 5. courtesy of author