Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
samantha gades BlIhVfXbi9s unsplash?width=719&height=464&fit=crop&auto=webp
samantha gades BlIhVfXbi9s unsplash?width=398&height=256&fit=crop&auto=webp
/ Unsplash

How to Keep Motivated During Midterms Week

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

So, it’s already midway into the quarter and you’ve hit a legit wall. Everything feels like it’s coming down on you and there’s nothing you can do but freak out and go into ultra procrastination mode. Everything seems so intimidating and you feel hopeless. Your will to work is at an all-time low and nothing seems to be clicking with what you’ve learned so far.

The last thing you want to do (and I’ll save you from it) is shut down all motivation to keep on track with studies while balancing everything else you enjoy.

 

Balance Your Schedule & Manage Time Wisely

It can be so hard to focus on certain things when your mind is everywhere else. Try to set times where you need to get work done. Go to the library or a study space and tune out every other distraction. You came here to college to get sh*t done, now do it!

 

Prioritize Hefty Subjects

Looking at a list of things to do and work that needs to be done can be very scary and can lead people to lose all motivation to work on the harder things first. In my experience, I would set aside separate times to focus little by little on those harder and more intimidating subjects.

 

Reward Yourself & Take Breaks

It is so important to make sure that you are not overloading yourself with work. You need food, sleep, and downtime to relax! Many college students forget that they need breaks. Go to the gym, socialize, and don’t forget to be a human being! Sometimes these breaks also inspire new ideas, so use it to your advantage.

 

Make a List of Things You Need to Work On More

I always find it better to make a list or a sticky note of things I need to get done that day. Set a checklist or make sure you know exactly what needs to get done. Deadlines and due dates are real in college, so don’t forget assignments last minute. That’s the worst thing you want to deal with and will ultimately add more unwanted stress.

Image: Url

Stop Comparing Yourself

When you worry about others and what everyone else has to do, you lose focus on the things you need to do. Don’t sweat the small things, especially when it comes to how much work someone else has or what better grade they got on their tests. It sets you up for not putting in your best attention and effort.

 

Remember That it is Just a Test

Failing is a part of college and contributes to individual growth. It is not necessary to stress more than you should on one test. You will get through it and ultimately the work you put into it will show. You will have many more tests ahead of yourself, so do not get discouraged.

 

Reach for Help

A lot of college students, including myself, forget that their professors are more than happy to help. All of the awesome resources on campus are also there for you because I know your college wants you to succeed. You’re paying for it anyway! What a better tool to use than the source itself. Don’t be afraid to ask and reach out for help.

 

There are many more things you can do to stay up on your studies and work this quarter as midterms arrive. Remember to focus, take breaks every now and then, prioritize work that needs to be done first, and always ask for help when you need it. No one is going to do the work for you, but if you put in the time and effort, success will surely come. Happy studying!

 

Natalie is currently a junior studying Public Relations and Advertising with a minor in Spanish and Event Planning. She is an avid beauty, interiors, and lifestyle enthusiast. When she's not doing yoga or obsessing over her golden retriever pup, you'll find her writing in the SAC, library, at the Stu, and basically, anywhere she can get good wifi connection at DePaul.