How to Reenergize Midsemester

There's just a little more time left in the semester. After break you came back to school and hit the ground running, but by now you just want to catch your breath. So, how do you make the best choices to ensure you have some more energy to make it through finals? Here are some tips from an academic coach.

Take time to get organized.

In 30 minutes or less, you can probably plan out 75% of your time for the next week. Spending 10-15 minutes in the morning to assess/compile your to-do list will make your day go more smoothly. Before starting a task, take another 5-10 minutes to break down the process by which you will complete the work.

For instance, if you have a paper to write, make yourself a step-by-step to-do list for the paper (e.g. write an outline, identify sources, choose citations, fill in outline using citations, etc.). If you are planning to study, identify what strategies you will use to ensure new ways of thinking about the material during that session (e.g. concept map, creating a graphical representation, writing a song or story about a process, teaching someone else a new idea, creating annotated problems, etc.)

Work in bursts with breaks in between.

If you’re the kind of person who wants to work for 90 minutes, schedule your day in 90 minute spurts and make sure to schedule a relaxing break in between (meals with friends, time at the gym, quiet repose, listening to music, going for a walk, reading for fun, etc.).

If you’re not able to focus for 90 minutes, try using a pomodoro timer to help you get things done. Some students use this online timer that tracks your progress and informs you to take the short breaks you need in order to feel more efficient and effective.

Express your thoughts and feelings.

Spend 20 minutes each night creating the perfect outfit for the next day, playing your guitar, writing songs, journaling, painting, or whatever creative outlet you like most. Making sure you have time dedicated to letting out your feelings and thoughts will help you to see your goals more clearly the next day.

Being a full-time student can be incredibly stressful; taking the time to express your worries in conversation or creative pursuit will help you relieve some of that stress and feel more confident tackling the important and urgent issues of tomorrow.

Stop comparing, start relating.

Having compassion for others will help you feel like you are all on the same team. Working together with people will boost your morale.

Knowing that your classmates and friends are going through the same types of experiences will encourage you to sit and talk about what you have been dealing with. You will be surprised to see that everyone has something difficult they are going through, even when they look like they have it all together.

Having a conversation where you can support a friend or classmate will help you feel supported, connected, and better equipped for the rest of the term.

Cultivate gratitude.

Positive psychologists have shown over and over again that gratitude will change your attitude towards life. You will feel reenergized just by writing a short list of things for which you’re thankful each day. Take 5 minutes to write down the things (people, rights, relationships, etc.) that you are glad you have in your life. Do this for a week or two and watch your attitude change.

Of course, if you want some help thinking through ways to help you re-energize or get out of a “slothful funk” please make an appointment with an academic coach.