It’s that time of year, when the mental breakdowns and sleep deprivation start hitting us college students way too hard. Whether you are a freshman or an upperclassman, mid-years never fail to sneak up on you. So, from one struggling college student to another, here are 10 insider tips’n’tricks to help you survive.
1. Don’t run
As tempting as it is to bolt the second your professor says, “now let’s discuss your upcoming midterm”, this will only make things worse for you, trust me. Take a breath and get yourself back on track.
2. Get your organization on
Whether you’re an organization enthusiast like me or the furthest thing from it, find a system that works for you! Whether your plans are to go to target and buy every marker, sticky note and highlighter in sight or simply to read your class notes, make a plan and stick to it! Any preparation you can give will improve your chances of doing well.
3. Puppy videos are the solution to any problem tbh…
You will instantly feel better after watching any puppy video, I promise.
4. Dance it out
We can learn many things from Grey’s, but one of the most important lessons is the famous impromptu, “dance it out”. Wherever you are, get up! Get up! Transform your location into a dance floor and dance it out! Rock out to your favorite tune and forget all of your worries temporarily.
5. CRYY
You are juggling a lot and under a great amount of stress that is only exaggerated by exams, so it’s okay if you need a minute. And let’s face it we all need a good cry sometimes.
6. SNACK TIME
I’m not saying eat your feelings, but if a box of Kraft mac and cheese will ease your stress, GO FOR IT!
7. Hit the gym
Working out is a perfect and healthy way to release stress and ultimately make you feel good about yourself. Remember the brain is a muscle too, so getting in exercise mode will help you get in study mode too!
8. Pray and/ or meditate
Taking a minute for prayer always helps refresh my mind and de-clutter it from all of the mid-term craziness! Whatever works for you in terms of taking some time to just breathe and meditate with a quiet mind, I say go for it! It’s not a waste of time to practice this form of self-care, it’s actually essential to your success. Find your Zen-zone!
9. BREATHE, just breathe
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by your college professor. My hand is raised and I know yours is too. We have all had that professor who’d rather come up with riddles instead of knowledge based questions, but don’t let it get to you. When you’re taking your exam just breathe and channel what you studied and what you learned in class. If you’re stumped on something, just move on and come back to it.
10. After-Exam BREAK
Look forward to that blissful time after all of your exams are over and you can just relax!