I have always said that the Spring semester tends to hit much harder than the fall semester. After the holidays, seemingly once everything has calmed down for once, you are thrown back into the studies that have blissfully left your mind for a few weeks. Suddenly, papers and exams are being given to you at a much faster pace than the previous semester, and the only thing on your mind is summer vacation.
“The Second Semester Slump” is notorious for procrastinators and self-proclaimed academic weapons alike. It seems like no matter how hard you work at school, the second semester will sneak up on everyone and feel much harder to navigate. In the Spring, the adrenaline of starting a new school year has worn off, and the thought of doing another semester of assignments seems too draining to even think about.
While I am only a sophomore in college and still have plenty to learn, I have picked up a few tips to make this semester feel less heavy. Through my own experiences with procrastination and low energy moments, I have found ways to make getting up and going to class or visiting the library for a study session easier to manage.
- Find a study buddy
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This is one of my favorite ways to keep myself motivated when the semester is feeling difficult. Having a friend with you for a coffee shop or library trip can help hold you accountable for the work you have to get done. I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes these study sessions can turn into hours of talking and not actually getting anything done, but something my friends and I like to do is have 40 minutes on and 15 minutes off. We work as much as we can for 40 minutes and when this time runs out, we can talk all we want for 15 minutes.
I always find that I work harder with this method because of the time aspect that comes with it. There is something about trying to complete as much as you can in a given amount of time that really pushes you to work harder at your assignments. It’s so rewarding to get a moment to laugh and talk with a friend after doing some exhausting work.
- PICK UP A NEW HOBBY
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I never thought I would be one to say this, as I normally don’t enjoy trying new things, especially when my schedule is so busy, but finding new hobbies can make the semester more manageable. Picking up a hobby that you have never tried before (or haven’t done in a long time) gives you a great opportunity to learn new things about yourself. I have recently picked up pottery painting, which is something I never thought I would enjoy since I’ve never been the best artist. Now, I incorporate this hobby at least once a week and I can feel the difference it has on my stress levels.
I know there is something I can do whenever the work from this semester is getting to be too much. My advice is to pick up a hobby that is accessible and fairly simple, so you can do it whenever you want. You can lean on the hobby when your stress levels are at a high, or whenever you just need to turn off your mind for a little bit.
- FIND TIME EVERY DAY TO DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE
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When I say every day, I mean every single day. Keeping up with the things you know bring you joy is so vital to daily energy and motivation. I know it can seem daunting at first, and when you look at your schedule, I’m sure this seems almost impossible to squeeze in. But let me assure you, it is doable and beneficial to add to your daily routine. This daily practice doesn’t have to be anything big- it can be ten or 15 minutes before you go to bed at night. Simply find anything that serves one of your passions and give it all of your energy.
Acting is one of my biggest passions, but with my schedule this semester, it has been very difficult for me to find time to perform in theater or participate in any student films. However, even though I can’t do these more time-strenuous activities, I can still devote a little time to my craft every day. Sometimes this means reading a few pages of a play before I go to bed, watching interviews with actors, or brushing up on my monologues. It can be anything, big or small, it is the intention of the activity that truly matters. Giving yourself time to focus on the aspects of yourself that you love and appreciate makes the harder work easier.
- WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER
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Something that has recently helped me, especially this semester, is the notion “Work Hard, Play Harder.” It sounds cheesy, but it is true and it’s something that motivates me more than almost anything else on the harder days. I frequently work ahead of schedule when it comes to my schoolwork because I know how busy my days get. I try to visit the library or a coffee shop on Sundays and get as much work done as I can so that the rest of my week feels relaxing.
While this isn’t fun at the moment, I always thank myself a couple of days later when I am busy with activities outside of my schoolwork. By working hard in some moments, my moments of other priorities such as work and meetings feel less heavy because I’m not worried about all the assignments I have to get done. With this skill, I’m able to come back from a shift at work and a day full of meetings to decompress for a while before starting whatever task I have to get done. I’m not running around all day as much anymore and waiting for the moment before bed when I can finally take a breath. Instead, I’m able to work as hard as I can for a certain amount of time to save myself from stress later on.
The spring semester can be extremely daunting, especially if the fall semester already left you exhausted. However, there are ways to combat this slump that many students find themselves in, and the tips I shared are only some.
Remember, there is no shame in taking care of yourself. School is important, but your well-being is the number one priority. Take the time you need to be the best version of yourself. It’s not easy, but it is doable. I promise you will thank yourself later for all the work you are putting in today, both in your studies and in yourself. I’m rooting for you to finish off this semester strong, and if you ever need a study buddy, you can find me at the UCF library!