November 3, 2012 at 2:00am marked the end of daylight savings, and we all know what that means – 1 more hour of sleep in the morning. Not only are you getting that one more much needed hour of sleep, but you have just put midterms behind you. No more late night study sessions means you can join the world again, if only you didn’t have a group assignment, essay, and two quizzes to study for already.
It is a puzzling phenomenon that happens to college students every semester right around this time – the mid-semester slump. The time when all the promises you made to yourself about being an exemplary student go out the window as the thought of having fun renders you incapable of being productive. But it’s time to break the cycle! With only three weeks to Thanksgiving, and then two more until finals, the end of the semester is so close you could smell the fresh pine needles, and home-cooked holiday meals.
What to do to make it through the mid-semester slump
It’s time to get your nose to the grindstone again, and here are a few tips to turn that slump into the best semester yet!
Plan Ahead. It’s time to make a study schedule and stick to it. If you stop yourself now then you still have a chance; you haven’t fallen too behind that you can get back on top. Go to class, take good notes again, get off of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Social media will still be there in an hour and forty-five minutes. Make time for the library and make time for study sessions. A little planning can go a long way, and keep you away from those difficult late night study sessions.
Be Realistic. I’m sure you’ve all been guilty of it once or twice. I sure know I have. That feeling you have on Monday morning when you know this week is going to one of those weeks where you surrender any hopes of being a good student and decide that you’ll just catch up over the weekend. Let’s be honest, no you won’t. By that time bigger and better things will grab your attention and you fall even further behind. A week’s worth of work is not meant to be done in 2 to 3 days. Don’t start blaming your “unreasonable” professors for all the work, you did it to yourself. Instead avoid the anxiety and don’t stress yourself out just yet. Be realistic about the goals you want to achieve by making realistic plans.
Don’t Stop Now. As the weeks countdown and you see the end is near, make sure that whatever you do, don’t stop. Once you have a routine going and you see that it works for you, why would you ever stop? Don’t lose your momentum just yet. Keep up with class readings and notes and the second you become lost, see your professors immediately. Don’t tear yourself down and revert back to your old ways. Be proactive. Professors are there to help.
Keep it Exciting. For every task you accomplish, reward yourself, with anything as small as a pat on the back to a study break. The semester always flies by, so relax and stay on top of your work. If something you’re doing isn’t working for you anymore, try something new. Avoid falling back into the slump. Be excited and engaged; or at least be excited about the prospect of the holidays around the corner!
Getting over it is the hardest part. Follow these tips and the rest can be smooth sailing.
Cover Photo: SUNY New Paltz, October 2012
Very nice, Thanks