Strategies for the End of the Semester
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Things are getting stressful.
With the end of the semester approaching, every college student knows that things are about to get crazy. Essays on top of projects on top of exams on top of work on top of who knows what else can be a lot to handle, but I’ve found that it’s all about strategy. Here are my top five ways to make the chaos of the end of the semester a little less stressful.
Everything that needs to be done will be done.
The first step towards success is to take a breath and remind yourself of every other stressful time in your academic career. Think about all of the assignments that needed to be completed. Think about how you felt. Now, pause and recognize that you made it through that period of time. All of those assignments are behind you now. You’ve completed them. And just as you completed those assignments, you will finish these as well. This will all be behind you, and you’ll be one step closer to your goal.
Make a to-do list.
The next step is to make a to-do list of every major assignment that you have. Then, break up those major assignments into various segments and assign each segment to a day. Maybe, on Monday, you’ll brainstorm themes and write an outline for your essay. Then, on Tuesday, you’ll write your thesis and form your introduction paragraph. Taking things one step at a time is crucial in times like these. Plus, you’ll get to cross things off of your to-do list very quickly, which always feels great.
Start with the small tasks.
When our tasks seem too big to tackle, and everything feels like too much, procrastination becomes our best friend. Even the deepest of breaths and the most detailed to-do lists can’t combat it. That’s why I find it easiest to start with the smallest tasks first. This will make you feel like you’re getting more done, which will motivate you to continue your work.
It’s okay to change the plan.
If there is something on your to-do list one day that you physically can’t complete, swap it for an easier task that you have scheduled for a different day. This will ensure that even if you didn’t hit that day's goal, you’ve still crossed something off of your list in the long run.
Remember to take time for yourself.
I know what you’re thinking; It’s impossible to take time for yourself during the end of the semester. I used to think the same thing until I discovered a new strategy. Think of a time during your day when you physically can’t study. It could be when you’re driving, taking a shower, walking your dog, washing the dishes, etc. Fill those time periods with something you enjoy. It could be your favorite podcast, song, TV show, YouTuber, or it could just be silence. Whatever it is, try your best to take all of your energy and focus on it. Give your brain a break from those looming assignments, and be mindful of every tangible thing around you at that given moment.
What is your “best?”
One of the greatest quotes I’ve seen was sent to me by a friend about a month ago. I now think of it every time I get into a perfectionist headspace. The quote says, “your best is the best you can do without neglecting your mental and physical health.” A lot of times, we get so caught up in trying to be the best that we don’t take care of ourselves, and taking care of ourselves should always be our number one priority. It is when we are taken care of that we have the greatest chance of success.
With all of that being said…
Good luck with the end of your semester! You’ve got this!
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