Finals season is here and naturally every person I have spoken to in the last couple of weeks has commented on how tired they are. To be honest, I’ve also been feeling the same way. The second semester is always more challenging so it’s common to be feeling overwhelmed and exhausted at this point in the year.
Whenever I’m in a slump, it feels like I can’t afford to do anything else. The burn-out is so real and the to-do list never seems to end. It might feel hard to take time out of your routine. Recognizing that, I have compiled a list of quick wins and tips to help with the slump of the second semester.
Make a reverse bucket list!
Instead of making a list of things you would like to accomplish, write down all the things you have accomplished. They can be really accomplishments, like doing well on a midterm you studied hard for, or smaller ones like making your bed, finding a new friend, or learning a new song on an instrument. This is such a great activity because normally we are just thinking about what is on our never-ending to-do list, we forget to take a moment to appreciate and recognize just how much we have achieved. Sometimes you need this perspective shift to motivate you to finish the semester strong!
Get those feelings out!
For those of us who get very anxious about finals, it’s crucial to get these feelings out of our bodies. You can do this in a variety of ways:
- Personally, I love to paint because it allows me to be fully present in the activity which is very relaxing.
- You can also jam out to your favourite music (Fall Out Boy is my favourite to dance to)
- Go on a run or a bike ride
- Do some journalling
The possibilities are endless! Whatever helps you express yourself or get your emotions out is beneficial. Feelings of anxiety or stress can be overpowering but you are not these emotions. Rather you’re the one observing them. These activities can help you clear your head and separate yourself from what your feelings.
Do something out of the ordinary!
Listen, having a routine is great. I’m all for planning your time but sometimes the monotony of a routine can be suffocating. It’s good to do something that you don’t normally do to break up the repetitiveness of our days. I notice that when I’m very stressed with school, I get into a loop where I just go campus and then home and then campus and then home… but that honestly just brings my mood down even more. Try studying in a new coffee shop or try a restaurant that’s been on your list. These things can energize you.
Take the day off or spend some time in nature!
If you’re in a slump it’s a sign that you are way overdue in the rest department. Believe me, I know it can be hard to make time to rest at this point in the semester but it’s so crucial. You are a person, not a machine. Your worth does not equal your productivity. Plus, if you don’t make time for rest, your body will take it for you, and it will be at the most inconvenient time (speaking from experience).
With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to spend some time outside. Spending time in nature and touching grass can be very grounding. If you can’t spare a day to just be outside, even studying outside can be a great alternative.
Realizing you’re in a slump is the first step to getting out of one. These are things that work for me, but anything that is a change of pace or makes you feel excited is great!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ideja Efendija is a fourth-year international student majoring in International Relations. Originally from Kosovo, she’s lived most of her life in Kenya. She is passionate about politics and activism, language learning, and listening to Big Thief for hours on end. As a student content creator, she hopes to create content that entertains and fosters community at UBCO.
