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How to Not Lose Steam at the End of the Semester

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

With the end of the school year quickly approaching, it’s easy to get stressed, overwhelmed, and be on the verge of giving up. In the midst of the end-of-the-year chaos, it’s important to remain focused and motivated. Here are some helpful tips to help you not lose steam during the final, fleeting moments of the semester.

1. Delegate at least 30 minutes of “me” time every day.

Read a book, watch a show, listen to music or pamper yourself. It’s important to have mental breaks where your brain can rest, your body can rejuvenate and you can take a deep breath.

2. Plan something exciting for when summer break rolls around.

One of the most helpful things for me to remain focused is having something to look forward to. Make plans ahead of time to do something fun at home after the semester, or on vacation. Plan a weekend getaway with friends, make dinner plans with a hometown friend, or even plan to visit your favorite hometown spots. Having one or a few things to look forward to will keep you motivated to get through the semester on a good note.

3. Go shopping: treat yourself

The best kind of therapy is retail therapy. There’s nothing like buying yourself something nice to boost your mood and confidence. Buy something cute to wear in the summer to get excited! Personally, I’ll buy a cute work outfit to wear at my upcoming internship or a new bikini to wear on the beach.

4. Make lists: assignments, packing, moving out, meetings

Another thing to keep your brain on track is to make lists and use a calendar. With an overwhelming amount of assignments, exams, meetings and other pesky tasks, it’s important to prioritize. I’m always sure to pencil every due date, meeting, and tasks like packing or dinner plans. This will help keep you on track in the last few weeks of the school year.

5. Get outside and workout

One of my favorite things to do when I’m really stressed or I feel like my mind is one big mess is to get active. Whether it be a brisk walk, run or a tough gym session, exercising is proven to get your endorphins going. It’ll allow you to take a mental break and focus your energy on something good for you.

By keeping these simple tips in mind, you’ll be able to go about the end of the semester with a more focused head and a more positive mindset.

Fairfield, Connecticut Elon University, Class of 2019