This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Jefferson chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
We’ve all been there. There are two weeks left in the semester, your planner is bursting at the seams, and your brain is officially out of storage space. You’re dragging yourself to class, surviving on iced coffee (Starbucks has you in a chokehold), and contemplating if you really need that degree (spoiler: you do). If you’re feeling burnt out, unmotivated, and just plain over it, here are some actually-doable ways to push through without losing your mind:
- Romanticize the little things: Sometimes, you need to trick your brain into thinking life is a movie. Make your study setup cute. Light a candle, make your notes pretty, or play a chill playlist in the background. The more aesthetic the vibe, the less painful the work feels.
- Set tiny, manageable goals: Instead of “write a 10-page research paper,” try “open a doc and write the title.” Breaking tasks into micro-goals makes it easier to build momentum. Plus, checking things off – even small ones – feels like a win
- Switch up your study environment: If you’ve been glued to the same desk all semester, no wonder you’re uninspired. Try studying in a new café, outside if the weather’s nice, or even in a different building on campus. A change of scenery can refresh your mindset more than you’d expect
- Give yourself a reward: Set up little incentives. “If I finish this assignment, I’m treating myself to pasta and watching two episodes of my comfort show.” You deserve to enjoy life, even while you’re grinding through it
- Don’t underestimate (or forget) rest: Sometimes, motivation dips because your brain and body are exhausted. Take a nap. Sleep the full 8 hours. Watch TikTok for an hour without guilt. Rest is not laziness – it’s maintenance
- Talk about it: Vent to a friend, a roommate, or even a group chat. Chances are, they’re feeling the same way. You’re not alone in this slump, and commiserating with someone can be oddly motivating
- Remember that you’re so close: You’ve made it this far, and that’s something to be proud of. The final stretch might feel endless, but you’re closer than you think. Keep going – you’ve got this!
Now go drink some water, open that Google Doc, and remember: you’re one step closer to freedom.