How to Conquer the Mid-Semester Slump

Sometimes students hit what’s known as the mid-semester slump when their interest in school drops and productivity suffers. But with exams and deadlines quickly approaching, students can’t afford to lose focus.

Here are a few ways to avoid burnout and keep your motivation high throughout the semester:

1. Find someone to hold you accountable

Ask one or two friends, classmates or family members to regularly check in with you to make sure you are staying on track. They can also provide support if you’re struggling in a particular class or need advice on how to complete your assignments on time.   

2. Step away from your studies

Taking a few minutes to decompress and focus on something other than your studies can help clear your head. Read a book, exercise, listen to music, take a walk – do anything you enjoy to help you regain the focus needed to complete your work.

3. Switch up your game plan

Changing your studying technique or day-to-day routine can do wonders for overcoming a slump. While routine can be helpful for staying motivated, it can also become repetitive. If this is the case, it may be time to switch things up. Bring some variance back into your life by implementing something new into your daily routine, whether that’s studying at a different coffee shop or taking an alternate route home from work. It may be just what you need to get yourself back on track.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Professors and advisors are some of the best resources for support and are ready and willing to help you. Herzing University offers students an advisor who can help with anything from time management strategies and academic preparation to handling stress and connecting you to other university resources.

5. Prioritize your work

When you’re mid-semester, you may have a lot on your plate – exams, assignments due and other deadlines piling up. Looking at everything you have to do can be overwhelming, but learning to prioritize your work can help you manage your workload and get you through your sump. Make a list of upcoming deadlines and time commitments so you can focus on one thing at a time.

6. Put on your favorite music

Music can be a great way to boost your mood and productivity. Not all types of music are conducive to studying, but any music with minimal lyrics or mostly instrumental melodies is a great choice. Certain beats have been proven to keep students engaged while studying. A number of streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Pandora, feature specially curated study playlists that make it simple for students to stay focused throughout the semester. 

7. Take care of yourself

If you find your list of responsibilities becoming chaotic, take a second to step back and evaluate your self-care routine. Are you getting enough sleep? Is your diet sustainable? Are you getting enough of the nutrients your body needs? If not, it may be smart to consider what changes you can implement in order to help your body and mind feel more alert and motivated for success.

8. Rely on a planner

A planner offers another great way to manage your time and schedule throughout the semester. You can use an old-fashioned paper planner that comes in daily, weekly or monthly spreads, or you can opt for a digital planner on your smartphone. This way, you’ll get alerts when deadlines are coming up and remind you when assignments are due to help keep you on track.

Find which of these techniques works best for you and your study habits and stick with them to help you power through the semester.