Mid-Semester Burnout
By Sheridan Santo
Throughout my time in college, I’ve noticed myself going through different emotional phases. I start off strong with the excitement of the beginning of the year and the changing of seasons. However, no matter the year, I always see a trend where I lose energy at the end of fall. Even though many people when Halloween ends and we officially enter the cheerful holiday season, I find myself needing to take extra steps to navigate this extremely busy in-between period. Here are some of the ways that I keep myself motivated and energized during this transitional time.
Find a Change in Scenery
Whether this is going to the city, flying somewhere new, or simply going off campus, I find that changing my location provides a break from the extremely hectic nature of campus life. Exploring new scenery can provide a sense of relief and a time to reflect on the future ahead– sometimes even a quick walk off campus will do the trick.
Look for Ways to Break up School Work
One way that I am able to gain a greater feeling of control is by organizing a detailed and intricate schedule. I manage and organize my days by cutting out time for breaks from school work to spend time with friends, going to the beach, reading, or working out. Although I have struggled with the concept before, I try to separate my work as much as possible in order to effectively complete all tasks.
Slow Down and Live in the Present
The midterm period provides students with a lot of tasks to complete before the end of the semester. The chaos during this time makes it extremely difficult to focus on the events ahead rather than reflecting on the current moment. I’ve noticed, however, that remaining present increases my motivation. This mindset allows me to take everything day by day, and enjoy the time I have left in school.