Eights weeks down, nine more to go. We survived the first half of the semester, so how will we make it through the rest? It’s definitely getting to that point in the semester where you can feel the motivation declining, but the work is showing no sign of stopping. Follow these five tips and tricks to keep yourself sane during the second half of the semester.
Make a plan
Take a look at what assignments you have left to do this semester. Are all of your final projects due around the same time? At least you know now and can start planning when you will work on each one. It’s probably unrealistic to think that you’re gonna start working on something due in two months, but now would be a good time to start thinking about the content or an idea for said project.
Now is also a great time to put important dates and deadlines into your planner if you have not done so already. If you don’t have a planner, print out a calendar or use one that you already have. Don’t let the end of the semester creep up and get you by surprise!
Take breaks
Staring at a screen or book for countless hours can be exhausting and sometimes painful, this alone should make you want to take a break. If that isn’t enough to encourage you to take a break, studies show that remaining seated for hours at a time can be detrimental to your health – so stand up and get the blood flowing in your legs. Whether it be taking a nice leisurely walk to your fridge or a quick gym session, get moving! Just make sure you make your way back to whatever you were working on at some point.
Get a change of scenery
Hopefully sunny and 65 degrees is right around the corner, but who knows with the current weather pattern. Don’t sit in the same seat in the Tech Center or work in your dimly lit apartment to get work done. Sometimes it’s best to mix it up and work in a new environment. Whenever the warm weather does decide to come around, find a table or bring a blanket outside and do your classwork in a quiet area – sorry Beach goers. A little fresh air is good for you, especially when you’ve been inside all winter long.
Check in with an advisor
Priority registration is right around the corner so that means you should visit your academic advisor. Yes this is a plug because I work in the Advising Office, BUT it is so important that you check in to make sure you are on track to graduate. If you’re graduating this semester, make sure you fill out your graduation contract and read all of the emails that will be coming your way in the next couple months.
Go to bed
Shut the book, turn off your laptop and get in bed. Staying up until the wee hours of the night are not beneficial for anyone. Cramming information into your brain while downing your third cup of coffee is really not going to make any difference in the long run. Instead, you will just be tired when it comes time to take the exam and probably forget some of the information you tried oh so hard to cram into your brain. On the bright side, a little beauty sleep never hurt anyone.
This blog post was written by Secretary Kate Yeager.
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