Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article

How to Break The Mid-Semester Slump

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Adelphi chapter.

Guess what, collegiettes? It’s that time of the semester; the time where you’ve given up and just want it to end.  Midterms are creeping upon us, or, if you’re lucky, you’ve taken them already. They are a reminder that the semester is halfway over; so close, yet so far.  All of the sudden you’re being forced to think about the projects due at the end.  Ugh it’s all too much!

Fear not! We get how you feel, but we know how to get over it!

Take Breaks

This is very important. You’re probably already feeling unmotivated to do that 5 page paper, but if you force yourself to do it then it will only be worse. You have to take breaks in order to give yourself a chance to refuel. It can be a productive break, maybe you can clean your room or start on laundry, or you can just sit there and watch an episode of Friends. Just know that a break shouldn’t be over 20-30 mins. If you take too long of a break then you won’t get back to your work – trust me!

Mental Health Days Exist for a Reason

The beauty of college is that you’re allowed a certain number of unexcused absences.  Use them! I’m not saying don’t ever go to class, but sometimes the stress becomes too much and it’s better for you to skip class.  This doesn’t mean skip class when you have a test or a review session.  That’s a no-no.  Even though it’s a mental health day, my tip is to catch up on any work you’re behind on.  If you’re all caught up then choose how to spend your day.  Relax because missing class once or twice won’t be the end of your career.

Make Lists

I’m a huge list maker! Lists are actually my life.  Write down what you have to do and when it’s due.  Then prioritize what needs to be done.  Just a warning, you might feel overwhelmed after doing this because you’ll see everything you have to do, and it might be a lot.  BUT it helps you step back and refocus. I promise it’s worth it. 

Reward Yourself

If you finished a big project, you deserve more than just a pat on the back.  Give yourself a reward.  Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a trip to a froyo shop, you deserve it.  This will also help keep you motivated because you’ll work towards the next reward.  At the end of the semester you can give yourself a bigger reward for surviving the semester.  I know I’ve been eyeing a fitbit, so that’s gonna be my end of the semester reward!

Sleep is a Must

There are gonna be times where all nighters are the only way you can get stuff done.  I get that.  We’ve all been in that position.  That doesn’t mean sleep isn’t a top priority.  Sleep actually helps you remember things because your brain is processing things while you’re slumbering.  Also, I know I’m not the only one that gets cranky if I don’t get enough sleep.  Sleep in on the weekends if you can or take naps! When taking naps make sure you set an alarm because if not, you’ll just continue sleeping. 

I hope these tips help you beat the slump! Stay positive because we’re almost there.  After Spring Break the semester flies bye.  Good luck, collegiettes!