I’ve been in college for 2 years now, and although that doesn’t make me really that experienced, I know a thing or two about how to deal with the middle of the semester stress. Or I would like to say I know. I’m still trying to figure it out as each semester comes with their own set of challenges and classes and work, but I think I have come up with a couple of things to get me through.
Sleep:
I am the first to sacrifice this. I wake up at least 8 and normally go until 9:30/10 at night, at least, provided I don’t have some event to attend that night. Any which way, I am exhausted when I get back to my apartment and do not have the energy or brain to be able to sit down and do homework, so I normally will wake up super early to do all the homework I slept on the night before or do it in between classes. I’m aware this is not the best, but this past week I have not gotten more than 4 hours of sleep a night due to activities, homework, or whatever else seemed to come up. But I have found the more sleep I get, the more prepared and better I feel the next day to take on everything that that day has in store.
Eating:
This seems like such a simple one, but there are days when I eat just granola, and it isn’t because I am broke, although it is a factor, but I don’t find the time to eat because of all the other things I have going on, so I’m just putting out there to eat. You have a clearer mind and are more focused and energized. I have seen so many of my friends not eat anything for days and they are tired and annoyed at everything. I promise you, fueling your body will help fuel your mind so you can focus
Exercise:
My mom has always said it, when I am really anxious to go walk it off or go to the gym and the same can be applied when it comes to stress. Exercising can help your body relax and clear you mind, while also burning off stress. It is something so simple but looked over for whatever reason (normally I don’t have time to go exercise with all the countless other things), but it is something that I do keep in the back of my mind and use when things get really overwhelming.
All of these things sound simple, but I promise they will help. Although I do not have straight up mid-terms, I’m still taking harder class that have more work and readings that come with it, so I am very familiar with the amount of stress that comes with the middle of the semester. Just remember to take care of yourself, professors can be understanding and your physical and mental health is more important than any class or grade.