Everyone talks about how bad midterm and final seasons are, but what no one really talks about is the “mid-semester slump”. We finally had our first real Spring Break since the pandemic started, and it was amazing to just relax and not have any responsibilities for a week. However, snapping back to reality from a week off is proving to be quite difficult, especially since there’s no upcoming midterms, finals or projects. I am right in the thick of the “mid-semester slump”, so I know first hand that it’s no fun. So, here are some tips and tricks that will make that “mid-semester slump” slightly easier to deal with.
- Get outside
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Much like other Spring Breakers, I spent the week in Florida, where the weather was the polar opposite of what it is in Binghamton. Let’s just say coming back was quite the unpleasant experience. But don’t worry, warm weather is coming very soon! Once it gets warmer, the Dickinson and Newing quads on campus are great outdoor spots to study, play volleyball, throw a Frisbee, or have a picnic! Plus, you can go for a walk around campus, the Nature Preserve, or Otsiningo Park! Getting outside is a great way to take a break and clear your mind.
- Use a planner
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Lacking motivation makes it really hard to stay on track- not just with assignments, but with everyday tasks such as self care and housework. A simple solution to that is to use a planner or some sort of planning app or task tracker to keep on top of responsibilities. To keep track of my day, I use an app called Notion. I use it to track assignment due dates, make shopping lists, and plan out my day-to-day life! It’s really simple to use, and it’s a great way for me to keep up with everything I have to do.
- Clean, clean, clean
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When you’re in a “mid-semester slump”, it’s easy to let dishes pile up and leave your counters messy from last night’s dinner. Something I do to prevent that is dedicate time to do a deep clean. One of my favorite chores is vacuuming, so cleaning up my apartment after a long few days of classes is always fun. I also load the dishwasher, wipe the counters, do laundry, and take care of whatever else needs to be cleaned. The end result is a spotless living space that you’ll surely be satisfied with.
- Carve out time for Self-Care
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I know that school is everyone’s top priority, but don’t be afraid to put yourself first! Setting time aside to do nothing but focus on yourself is a great way to recenter after a rough few weeks. Some of my favorite self-care activities include doing a face and hair mask, reading a book, journaling, playing a game on my iPad , having a glass of wine, and listening to some of my favorite artists such as Taylor Swift or Post Malone.Do whatever helps you relax and unwind.
- Try something new!
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Remember that book you always wanted to read or that new recipe you wanted to try? Well, now’s the time to spice it up and give it a try! I know it can be boring doing the same thing every day, but trying something new keeps things fresh and it’s a great way to destress! One thing I picked up recently might be a blast from the past- but I’ve started making Rainbow Loom bracelets. The kits are really cheap off Amazon, and I find it very relaxing.So, don’t be afraid to try something new!
- Talk about it!
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Like I said, no one really talks about the “mid-semester slump”. However, just because no one talks about it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Talking to someone, whether it be a friend, parent, teacher or a professional will help you realize you’re not alone in facing what seems like an uphill battle. It gives you a great opportunity to socialize, and they might also give you some of their own tips to get through it!
The “mid semester slump” may seem like it lasts forever, but remember, it doesn’t. Before you know it, the semester will be over! I hope that these tips will help you, because they definitely are helping me get through this tough time! Keep your head up, take your time, and breathe. I promise that you’ll get through this!