As college students, it’s hard to catch a break. Our energy is already low, but as we near the holidays, it’s hard to grasp onto the last bit of motivation we have left.
With finals season creeping around the corner, we must crawl out of bed and keep ourselves on track. Here are some tips to staying motivated during the fall slump.
Creating a new routine will be your lifeline
Usually when we think about routines, we associate them with restrictions. While you should definitely switch up your schedule, it is also important to implement mindful habits that prioritize wellness.
You could light a candle while you study, drink tea instead of a second cup of coffee, or read instead of watching tv. The little things make a big difference and the added bonus is, they actually make us feel good.
Don’t be shy about setting some goals for yourself
You know yourself better than anyone. If you know that the yawning begins at 5 p.m., set the goal to get your work done by 4:30 p.m. If you want to be more disciplined with assignment deadlines, make it a goal to keep track of your assignments with an academic planner.
Planning ahead is essential to staying motivated. Focus on the parts of the fall slump that are the hardest, and set the goals to prepare for them.
Get up and get out
The most immediate method to prevent a fall slump is to get out of your cozy bed, layer up, and make the conscious choice to move to a productive environment.
Move your work to a park bench, take a walk through a nice neighborhood, or take the outside seating option instead of sitting inside. Sometimes the solution to being unmotivated while inside, is to be productive outside.
Romanticize your life
We all wish we could rot and watch romcoms all day, wishing we were Kate Hudson at a basketball game with Matthew McConaughey. Don’t fret, there are ways to feel like the main character while remaining productive.
A few tricks to spice up your life and keep you motivated are: making a fall playlist that feels like the soundtrack to your own movie, putting on a cute outfit just to go to class, or studying at a coffee shop instead of the library. Don’t let your to-do list stop you from living your best life.
Lastly, keep your eyes on the prize
The home stretch is always the hardest. We’re so close to the finish line but there are still late night study sessions, breakdowns, and assignments to get through. The final trick to staying motivated, is to not lose sight of what you’re working towards.
Think about the relief of turning in that final assignment, spending time with your loved ones, doing festive activities, and most importantly, sleeping in.
The fall slump is real, so don’t be too hard on yourself. If you follow these tips and tricks, you’ll be sure to get through the dark days of fall.
What are your tips to staying motivated during the fall? Share your tips with @HerCampusSJSU!