Every day brings an opportunity to learn something new.
After a reading week break filled with late-night snacks and endless scrolling through TikTok, you might find that diving back into textbooks and assignments feels more challenging than ever. Suddenly, your to-do list looks like a mountain and you may feel like you’re stuck at the bottom, unsure of how to start climbing. This phase is called the mid-semester slump!
If you’re feeling tired, distracted and overwhelmed, you’re definitely not alone! Many students struggle to regain their focus and energy as the semester progresses. But don’t worry, there’s hope!
In this guide, we’ll explore some easy, fun and effective tips to help you conquer the mid-semester slump, rediscover your motivation and finish the semester strongly!
Break down your tasks
Feeling overwhelmed by multiple tasks? You’re not alone! When your to-do list is long, it’s best to break it down. Instead of saying, “I’ll read this whole chapter,” say, “I’ll read this section for 25 minutes.” This technique is called the Pomodoro Technique and trust me, it really helps!
Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task. When the timer goes off, take a five-minute break to stretch, grab a snack or just relax. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done when you take short breaks.
Breaking tasks into smaller pieces makes studying feel less scary. Plus, you’ll feel accomplished every time you complete a goal. And if you finish early, enjoy an extra-long break! It’s all about balance.
Find your study vibe
If your study routine means getting distracted by funny videos on Instagram every few minutes, then it’s time for a change. Create a study space that helps you focus. This could be your desk, a comfy chair or a cafe with some great refreshing coffee. Think about what makes you feel most productive.
Maybe you need a clean space and some background music. Try different settings until you find what works best for you. If you like studying with friends, invite them over, but make sure everyone is ready to focus (which means NO mid-study gossip sessions, save those for break time).
Set a 30-minute timer for study time, then take a 10-minute break for snacks and laughs. This way, you can enjoy your time together while still getting the work done!
Move your body
Feeling lazy and tired? A little movement can help! If your focus starts to fade, take a quick break to stretch, dance or go for a short walk. Even a few minutes can make you feel more awake.
You could do some jumping jacks or if you’re feeling bold, dance like nobody’s watching (though your pet will probably judge your moves). Moving around helps get the blood flowing and releases those feel-good endorphins. Plus, it’s a great way to shake off stress.
If you’re stuck at your desk for too long, you might find your energy tanking. Set a timer to remind yourself to take a break every hour. Go grab a glass of water, do a little yoga or even run in place for a minute. Your body will thank you and your brain will be ready to tackle that next study session with renewed energy!
Remember your goals
As the semester goes on, it’s easy to forget your goals and dreams. Take a moment to think about them. Think about the different skills that you want to learn and the dream job that you want to land. Write down your dreams and put them where you can see them every day, like on the wall in your room, in your planner or on your phone.
Keeping your goals in mind can give you the extra push you need to keep going, especially when things get tough. Think of your goals as your cheerleaders. When you feel like giving up, just look at them to remind yourself of why you started in the first place.
You’re not just studying for grades but also to build a better future for yourself! And when you reach a goal, big or small, always celebrate it! Treat yourself to a favourite snack or take a day off just to relax.
Discovering motivation hacks
I asked some Humber Polytechnic students how they stay motivated and avoid the mid-semester slump.
Aakhya Singh, who is pursuing film and multiplatform storytelling, believes in keeping her goals front and center.
“To stay motivated in college, I try to remind myself why I’m here — my goals and how far I’ve come,” Singh said.
Singh finds that music is a great mood booster on tough days and she also looks forward to enjoying good meals and talking to friends, which makes her feel lighter and reminds her that she isn’t alone in this journey.
I also talked to Darius Vasile Caimac, a bachelor of science in nursing student. He focuses on staying on top of his course content to manage his workload effectively and prevent the stress of cramming.
“I’ve had plenty of time to trial and error different strategies to keep myself motivated while avoiding burnout,” Caimac said.
He emphasizes that it’s crucial to study in advance rather than relying on last-minute learning.
The mid-semester slump can feel heavy but fear not, you have what it takes to bounce back! Make lists, create a distraction-free study space, break tasks into little pieces and keep your goals in sight. And don’t forget to get moving because a little dance break can do wonders (just be careful not to trip over that pile of laundry).
With these tips in hand, you’re ready to tackle the rest of the semester like the superstar you are! Take a deep breath, dive back into your studies with renewed energy and remember: you’ve got this!
Each step gets you closer to your goals, and soon enough, you’ll be celebrating your achievements (that includes a pizza party with your buddies!)
You’re here to grow and learn, so make the most of every moment!
Happy learning!
Feature image courtesy of Siora Photography via Unsplash.
Need help maintaining a study schedule? Check out 6 ways to create a study schedule that really works for you!
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