The second half of the spring semester can bring some students the most stressful weeks of the entire year. If you’re like me, you’re probably lacking in motivation and are already stressed about the million things you need to do before finals week sneaks up on you. As a chronic procrastinator, I am a pro when it comes to finding ways to de-stress and distract myself from my real responsibilities, but have also become very organized because of it. If you’re looking for ways to delay the inevitable onslaught of work or to mentally prepare yourself for the home stretch of the semester, look no further! Here are my organized-procrastination pro tips for surviving the end of the semester.
- Prioritize all upcoming due dates
Whether or not you find yourself procrastinating at this point in the semester, we all know how it feels to be drowning in deadlines and due dates. Combat this overwhelming feeling by creating a “master list” of due dates and assignments from now through finals week. Go through all of your syllabi and write everything down, including in-class assignments, quizzes, papers, and anything else that you may need to turn in. Once you’ve tracked everything down, it can really help to put things in chronological order or in a checklist. Personally, I use Trello to help keep track of due dates in chronological order as well as utilizing the checklist feature to cross completed items off. Crossing items off your list creates a satisfying sense of accomplishment, even when an assignment or task was small, and having everything in chronological order helps you to stay on track without missing any deadlines.
- Try bullet journaling.
Another way to keep track of everything going on in your life without using a tradition planner is to bullet journal. Depending on your university, there are approximately 6 to 8 weeks left of the semester, so why not make them count? Write out your goals for the rest of the semester – and maybe plan out your finals study schedule while you’re at it. You’ll feel like you’re being productive, and you may even reduce your stress levels. If you’re really feeling ambitious, start looking at class registration for the fall semester, or come up with some fun summer plans. Be as creative and quirky as you want, there are literally no rules when it comes to creatively avoid your academic responsibilities!
- Practice some serious self-care
Because this time of the semester can create a lot of stress, it’s important to make time to take care of yourself. Self-care looks different for everyone: whether it’s binge-watching your favorite shows for the millionth time, going out with friends, reading new books, or watching movies, plan out some time every week to take care of yourself. You’ll reduce your stress levels and get some much-needed relaxation.
- Hang out with your friends
Although this could be considered self-care, it really does need its own category. Hanging out with your friends is a great way to de-stress and enjoy these last few weeks of the semester. It’s practically April, which means summer is right around the corner. Depending on your situation, you may not have the chance to see some of your college friends again until classes resume in the fall. Go see a movie, form a squad study group, and just take this time to make some memories and enjoy yourselves before parting ways for summer vacation.
The second half of the spring semester can be rough, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. We’re all dreaming of warm weather and easy final exams together, and everything will be fine – probably. Live your best procrastinating life, and it’ll be summer break before you know it!