The midterm funk hits me every semester. Towards the middle, around midterms, I’m unfocused, unmotivated and a whole general mess. I start slacking on readings and assignments, not eating well and staying up way too late procrastinating. Each semester is a rollercoaster and each time it feels like this funk will never go away. My classes seem hopeless and I throw away my hopes for that 4.0 GPA. While this does happen every semester and feels like it will never end, it does. Everything is temporary and you just have to push through. Here are a few things that helps me get back to feeling myself and motivated when I’m at my semester all time low.
1. Good food
One of my biggest problems when it gets to this point of the year is that I’m too exhausted and unmotivated to make my own breakfast, lunch or dinner. I end up eating granola bars all day in-between classes, getting Blaze pizza for lunch and ordering Uber Eats for dinner. This is incredibly expensive and I want to be fueling my body with good food, but I’m too lazy. Don’t let this get the best of you! Hold yourself accountable and keep up your healthy living lifestyle. You will feel better in the end, but don’t forget to ~treat yourself!~
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2. Take a break and get off campus
I know I get caught up in life on-campus and one of the best ways for getting away from it all is to just leave for a while Take a trip to Petland, get food with friends or just wander around Target for hours like I do. Putting distance between you and your school work can be necessary and helpful.
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3. It’s okay to cry
I think we’ve all have our fair share of midterm breakdowns. Sometimes it’s exactly what we need. We are constantly holding in all of our emotions to spare other people or so you don’t come off as “too emotional,” but sometimes you have to let it out! Keeping it all in will do you more harm than good!
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4. Call someone to vent
My mother is my go to #1. She knows all the tea that goes on in my life. If the slightest inconvenience occurs in the middle of the day, I FaceTime her while she’s at work. Call whoever you feel most comfortable talking to and just vent. Again, keeping all of your emotions in will cause more damage on your mental health than you think. Once all of your feelings are out, you will feel so much better and be able to focus on what you have to do.
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5. Create a schedule and stick to it
I keep multiple planners, the calendar in my phone, Google Calendars and a dry erase calendar in my room updated at all times. This is what works for me, so just find what works for you. Im very forgetful so I make sure to set up MULTIPLE reminders. Again, hold yourself accountable and really challenge yourself. You’ll see who you really are, what you’re made of and what you can do.
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6. Work out to relieve stress
Working out used to be one of my most hated things in the world. I’ve never seen the positive side to it until recently. I would go run on the treadmill, use the elliptical and leave. I absolutely hated every second of it and it never stuck. Recently, I started to attend the Zumba classes at the AFC gym on the Fairfax campus (which is free for students btw), and it was a game changer. Before my first class I had a terrible day and then I was dreading this class. During the class I was actually smiling and laughing, like actually having fun while working out, and I haven’t stopped going ever since. Find what works for you! There is no one particular workout that works for everyone.
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7. Netflix and movies with the people you love
Now this is essential. Each week I always try and set aside some time for Netflix. If I go too long without watching a movie or an episode of the show I’m watching, it’s never good. It’s even better if you do it while surrounded by the people you love. Your roommates, friends, significant others, family, etc. Take time to relax and enjoy each others’ company!
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Just keep pushing, collegiettes! Everything is temporary and winter break is right around the corner!
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