At this time of year, it can be easy to fall into a trap of procrastination. The semester has started full force, clubs and extra-curriculars are in full swing, and midterms are just around the corner. Everyone has one thing on their minds – “I just need to make it until spring break!” Here is your reminder that yes, you can do this, and also some tips on how to make it until mid-March with your sanity in check.
1) Keep up with your classwork
It may seem self-explanatory, but hear me out. Mid-February is the time where motivation seems to disappear. It’s almost as if it was never there to begin with. Netflix and chill is calling your name, and its siren’s song is almost impossible to resist. Here’s the thing, though – keeping up with your classwork and homework now will make your life significantly less stressful in the future. Do whatever you have to do to rediscover your motivation. Scheduling time for homework, using a reward system, or re-organizing your room can all be really effective ways of keeping your motivation up. Staying on top of work now means having more time for midterms and relaxation in the future!
2) Sleep, Eat, and Listen to your body
It’s a deadly trap to stop listening to what your body needs. Sleeping, eating, showering, and taking whatever medication you may need are even more important at times of stress. It can be easy to forget that these things are necessary to function. Taking care of your body and your brain means that you’ll feel better and be more focused when it’s time to work.
3) Talk to your professors
Professors can seem like scary people – especially as the work that they’re assigning is probably what’s stressing you out most right now. Remember: professors are humans too. They don’t want to overwhelm you; they want you to learn to the best of your ability. The work that they assign is designed to reinforce what’s going on in class. If you’re feeling too stressed out, they’re your greatest ally. Most professors will allow extensions on assignments if you talk to them early enough, or at the very least will offer you advice on your work. Make use of their office hours, or send them an email. They can’t help you if you aren’t communicating your needs!
4) Take time to relax
This last tip might seem silly, especially given the dangers of procrastination. However, there’s a difference between taking a well-deserved break and procrastinating. Your brain can’t work on high-power all the time. It’s impossible for your brain to constantly focus on work if you don’t give it time to breathe. Plus, giving yourself a break will allow you to actually absorb the information that you’re trying to learn. Take a bath or a shower, take advantage of the (relatively) nice weather and go for a walk, binge-watch your favorite television show. Just remember to give yourself space to be you.
Remember: being a student, or an employee, or a friend, is only part of your identity. Take care of yourself, and the rest will fall into place.