Cold weather isn’t the only thing rolling in this time of year. It’s time for midterm exams, projects, and assignments- and for your convenience, the due dates all fall within the same two weeks. Here are some tips for avoiding that seemingly inevitable mid-semester mental breakdown.
1. Make a list
It’s so easy to freak out and overestimate how much you have to do when it’s all floating around in your head. Get a planner or a notebook and make a to-do list in order of priority. Start with items that need your immediate attention, and work your way down towards those of lesser importance.
2.When in Doubt, Talk it Out.
You all probably know by now how important it is to have a support system. If you are on the verge of a nervous breakdown, grab your go-to shoulder to cry on for a walk or a quick cuddle/ cry session to complain about all the annoying things you have to do. A little complaining never killed anyone and it feels good to get some sympathy from time to time.
Okay, you’ve cried it out and complained your friend’s ear off, now it’s time to pull yourself together. Remind yourself that in the grand scheme of life, it is only one exam, project, or assignment. In the end, one bad grade really won’t kill you.
*This doesn’t mean go to a party on a Tuesday instead of studying for your Wednesday morning exam, but it does mean your stress may be excessive and that it’s time for a little reality check. (A quick call to mom usually does the trick.)
4. Start Checking Things Off
The sooner you start, the sooner relief will follow. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing a big black line through an item on your list. So start tackling that to-do list and breathe.
5. Reward Yourself
All you need now is a little motivation. For those of you like myself with zero self-control, putting an M&M at the bottom of every page will only lead to rushed reading and mowing down a boat-load of candy. Instead, try telling yourself that if you get X amount of work done tonight, you can watch one/two episodes of your favorite TV show. Or, remind yourself that if you do X, Y, and Z on Friday, you can go to the Tailgate Saturday afternoon.
So get organized, grab a friend for support, remember that this won’t kill you, pour yourself a cup of coffee and get cracking. You’ve got this!