How to Finish a Semester Strong
It’s halfway through the semester, which means you’re likely balancing your remaining work for this semester and trying to squeeze in time with friends and family. How do you feel you’ve managed your workload? Are you still focused? If you’re struggling, we put together some tips to help you refocus and stay clear of the mid-semester slump.
1. Reward Yourself
Try to set up little rewards for every goal that you accomplish. For more significant accomplishments, consider getting something you’ve wanted to improve your study experience. Have you been staying on top of your readings? Do you have all assignments completed? Reward yourself with a good coffee for weekend readings or a new desk chair for a more comfortable paper writing experience. Also, some students find success when they designate one night a week as a “no study night” to do something they’ve been missing out on due to school commitments. Think of a reward that is most motivating for you and give it a try.
2. Practice Time Management
Review the schedule you mapped out at the beginning of the semester. Have you been submitting your assignments on time? Make any necessary changes for adjusted due dates or delays in the work you’ve been able to complete. If you find that you need more time for one class over another, plan now to commit more time to that subject. Some people study better on weeknights while others prefer the weekend. Think about the assignments you’ve had so far and when you perform at your best. Plan to repeat any success you’ve had by mimicking the behavior that yielded a positive result. To better keep track of y It’s easy to feel overwhelmed: too much to do in so little time. Sometimes it’s helpful to take a step back and realize just how much time there really is in the span of a week.
3. Prioritize Your Health
When organizing your schedule, don’t forget to keep yourself as a priority. A mid-semester slump can be compounded with a lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and skipping one too many workouts. Sometimes that late-night cram session does more harm than good if you’re not sharp and able to retain the information. If you’re able to schedule all parts of your day (e.g., workouts, meals), you’re more likely to make healthy choices. Go to bed an hour earlier, take a short walk, pack a water bottle. All of these simple actions can improve your health and make your study time more productive.
4. Take Time to Relax
When you’re overworked and overwhelmed, you’re more likely to get burnt out. Make an effort to do something that relaxes you. Even if it’s only for 20 minutes or an hour, the time spent will refresh you and make your study time more effective. Self-care can prove to me a major aid in online learning success. Take time to rest your mind so you can come back with renewed motivation to tackle your workload.
5. Remember Why You Started
Even though it is likely dominating your life at the moment, you will not be a college student forever. Think about why you decided to go to school, and reach out to your support system when you’re struggling. One of the common reasons for the mid-semester slump is a loss of perspective. Your initial enthusiasm for the new challenge may have worn off, but it can be restored. Remember why you started the program and reflect on the things you’re doing to achieve that goal. Check out here for more advice.
