How to Get Over the Mid-Semester Hump
We all reach a pivotal point in the semester when the tests, homework, and projects build up and it feels like there will never be an end to the constant chaos. For example, I was supposed to write this blog a few weeks ago, but I felt like I was drowning and couldn’t catch a break. But I’m still here writing this to you; I promise, it does get better! Here are just a few ways to regain your Boss Lady/Man status and bust out the last part of the semester! You can do it!
1) Sleep, Sleep, Sleep!
Make sure you get enough sleep. I know that we all think we are invincible and can run on less than 3 hours of sleep per night, but the truth is… we can’t. Midterms are over, I know, but this is the point in the semester when all the class projects and extra homework pile up before the end of the year comes around. Getting enough sleep helps you manage your appetite and prevent sickness. Sleep is so important for your body and your mind and in terms of wanting to slay life (I can use that right?). You have to give your body that time to rest and recuperate in order to be that Boss Lady or Man you always envisioned yourself being. So put on those embarrassingly comfortable PJ's you don’t let anyone see, grab that over-sized fuzzy blanket, and get to napping! You totally deserve it!
2) Fight Procrastination
When you are going through a week or month of crazy schedules and ungodly amounts of homework, procrastination just weasels its way into your life and starts to suck all of the productivity and self-fulfillment out of you until you are 5 seasons into your favorite TV series and you still haven’t worked on that 75 page campaign due in 3 days. When this happens, you just have to remind yourself that you are strong enough to get through it. “So far, you’ve survived 100% of your worst days. This too shall pass.” How can you fight procrastination? I’m so glad you asked!
- Set timers for yourself. Set a simple timer on your phone for an hour. Dedicate that hour to working on completing one of the many tasks you have to do for the day. As you concentrate more on the task, you will find that you can complete more in an hour than you thought you would be able to. Once that timer goes off, reward yourself with a bag of gummy bears or ONE episode of that TV show we talked about earlier, or hell… Go to the gym if that’s what you’re into! After your reward, you have to sit back down, reset that timer, and get cracking again.
- Change your work environment. When you study and sleep in the same area, your brain tends to get the two confused. If you tend to study in your home, under your blankets, in front of the TV, you are most likely going to fall asleep. Try packing a snack bag, heading out to your favorite coffee shop, order coffee, and get your stuff done! Don’t forget your headphones. This will reduce the number of distractions around you, and also allows you to people watch while you’re at it. Which might be more of a distraction, but at least you are experiencing something new, right?
- If you wish to learn more about overcoming procrastination, read this blog by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo. She’s a Doctor; you should listen.
3) Write stuff down
I know it might seem like it takes up more time than it should, but once everything is written down, you have no excuse to avoid it. Plus, you are less likely to forget what it is that you have to do, because if you are anything like me, your mind is like a leaking bucket. Having that constant, agonizing reminder to finish up your project or get started on that blog post helps to get your motivation going! When you write down your ideas or to-dos it helps you automatically focus all of your attention on them, it opens up your mind to clearer thinking, and allows you to gain more information and knowledge without missing the homework assignment due for next Tuesday. With all of that extra space in your brain, it could even begin to relax.
4) Change up your routine
If you’re stuck in a lull or this mid-semester hump, maybe it would be the best time to change things up. That almost rhymes. If you are someone who goes to bed really late. Try going to bed early for a week and see what happens. It might change your life. If you constantly eat out with your friends, invite them over one night for a dinner party and Disney movies. You can try a new recipe, work on your cooking skills, open a bottle of wine, and talk about how Ariel was only 16 when she married Prince Eric (gross). Cross off something on your West Michigan bucket list that you wrote down 3 years ago, but never had the time to do. Hike Rosie Mound, walk through a haunted house, or spend a day at the Downtown Market. Find something new to do and, as Shia LaBeouf points out, “Just do it!”
I hope these few tips can help you get over that mid-semester hump and back on track. Just remember, those cliché inspirational quotes you read on Pinterest actually have some meaning to them! It’s your time to get to it and take over the world!
About Kyra
Kyra O’Dell is a senior at Grand Valley State University majoring in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Elementary Certification. Kyra is an Account Executive for Grand PR, and has received a Superior Award for student excellence in Advertising and Public Relations. She is eager to graduate and show the world her passion for Public Relations and her quirky attitude towards life. In Kyra’s free time you can find her obsessing over dog videos, trying a new recipe in the kitchen, and smiling.