If you are like me and haven’t been able to find the motivation to do any work since before Spring break, that’s okay! There is something about the second semester that puts everyone in a lazy mood. For example, being too lazy to pick up a textbook from the course reserves because the walk is too far-what’s the point anyway since we are leaving school in less than two months?
This article will address some ways to help you get motivated to get back into the swing of things after Spring Break.
First and foremost,
Get the sleep you need
It is not only important to get shut eye, but to also maintain it. Make it a priority to sleep and get the hours you need. You should not limit yourself to sleeping minimal hours. If you need to get 7-8 hours of sleep to feel good in the morning, make this a priority. Also, going to sleep before 12:00 is also a good way to set in place good sleep habits. Do you have trouble sleeping through the night or falling asleep? We recommend you try lavender scents (i.e. candles, perfumes, or lotions), drinking chamomile tea, or eating Greek yogurt before bed to help with these problems.
Set goals and rewards.
Just like in Kindergarten when we used to get a piece of candy for everything we did right and kept a tally for everything we did wrong, it is important to set goals for what you would like to accomplish and reward yourself when you reach them. I find myself strangely happier when I am rewarded because it gives me hope and a stronger sense of motivation. Whether it is a new pair of shoes or a 20-minute Netflix break from my homework, rewards can give you a break from all of your hard work. It doesn’t matter if it is a big goal or a small one because we know how to accurately gauge our abilities in our areas of study
Work off campus
Try to find a new and exciting study spot. I usually work in a big building downstairs, with no windows; even though I’m not an “outdoorsy” person, I can’t stand not being able to see plants or the outdoors from where I work. Every once in a while, it is important to try to go outside, especially off campus. It can be a fun and exciting experience to submerge yourself in a new environment while still putting in work on that paper you need to get done. Give yourself the freedom of new scenery and a great atmosphere. Try to find a quiet place where you are more relaxed and at ease. Working off campus clears the mind of chaos and confusion from on-campus tasks.
Eat well
Eating well is a must to survive the post-spring break blues. While it is important to eat healthy, (i.e. fruits, veggies, yogurt), it is also important not to drink an excess of caffeine or alcohol. I drink a lot of chai tea, which is still sweet, but also somewhat healthy. The natural herbs help to calm my nerves. Look to chai and other herbal teas as an alternative to coffee and smoothies or juices instead of alcohol. Eating well means eating cleaner, so if you are already feeling fatigued and lethargic, a sugar and alcohol-filled diet will not help to rejuvinate you. Try more colorful foods while remembering to stay hydrated, and your body will react to it positively.
Find a new hobby to try during study breaks
My parents were always the worrisome type. They never let my sisters and I play sports growing up because they didn’t like bruises. So I have struggled finding something that I really like because I always thought a hobby meant a sport. However, a hobby can be anything that you truly enjoy doing. By setting your mind to something that you love, your mood is likely to improve. This is more likely to positively affect your motivation to reach your study goals in order to earn that study break where you can spend time on your new hobby. Consider sewing, cooking, reading, photography, coloring, or even collecting something. Find it one and stick to it because dedication to a new hobby can help you transfer this newly found sense of commitment to your school work.