Are you a high school or college student that is feeling overwhelmed? Are you spending all your time studying for midterms and feeling burnt out? Do you just have a lack of motivation when it comes to school? You might be experiencing a phenomena known as the “Mid-Semester Slump.” According to UC Berkeley, the Mid-Semester Slump is the point of semester when students start to lose momentum in their classes, and heavy work loads begin to catch up with them.

So how can you overcome the Mid-Semester Slump? This blog features ideas and methods for students to get their head back in the game for the back-half of the semester!

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Prioritize Selfcare

According to The Auburn Plainsmen, an important step to combating the Mid  Semester Slump is taking time for selfcare. Endless hours spent studying and doing homework can cause a lot of tension. So, it can be helpful to schedule a massage or spa day. Afterwards, you might feel fresh with a new perspective on the rest of the school year!

If a spa day or massage isn’t for you, Tulane University suggests taking a walk or utilizing at-home selfcare. A simple 20-minute break from your computer screen or textbooks allows you to come back rejuvenated!

Be Okay With Logging Off

Distractions come from all over, but especially from cellphones and internet usage. You might be prolonging your study sessions with by scrolling on social media as a procrastination tool. Tulane University explains its important to put your phone away during study/homework time. To fully increase productivity, consider putting your phone in an entirely different room when you’re doing school work.

Hold Yourself Accountable

Actively finding time to study with peers or having progress check-ins with family members can help you achieve your goals, according to Tulane University. This method of accountability makes your goals feel real. Similarly, Tulane University suggests writing down a to-do list or reminders. Take time to speak to your  guidance counselor or advisor about your goals and academics. These professionals can help you make sense of your stressors and get you back on track.

Ask For Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be useful to have someone by your side to help you out and put things into perspective. According to Truett McConnell  University, asking for help from teachers and professors can be significant aid when getting through the Mid-Semester Slump. Similarly, taking advantage of  free student services (on a school-by-school basis), can push you through the slump.

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This isn’t a comprehensive list, and there are so many more methods to getting through the Mid-Semester Slump. It’s important to remember you’re never the only one struggling, and the people in your life are there as a support system. Plus, don’t forget that Winter Break is right around the corner!

References:

“Overcoming Midsemester Slump.” Overcoming Midsemester Slump | Center for Teaching & Learning, teaching.berkeley.edu/overcoming-midsemester-slump. Accessed 19 Oct. 2023.

Parson, Mackenzie. “Ways to Avoid the Mid-Semester Slump.” The Auburn Plainsman, 1 Mar. 2023, www.theplainsman.com/article/2023/03/ways-to-avoid-the-mid-semester-slump#:~:text=The%20%E2%80%9Cmid%2Dsemester%20slump%E2%80%9D,easy%20to%20get%20burned%20out.

“Preventing the Mid-Semester Slump.” Tulane School of Professional Advancement, 10 June 2020, sopa.tulane.edu/blog/preventing-mid-semester-slump#:~:text=This%20is%20the%20time%20in,practices%20and%20tips%20can%20help.

Walker, Zach. “8 Ways to Conquer the Mid-Semester Slump.” Truett McConnell University, truett.edu/blog/archive/8-ways-to-conquer-the-mid-semester-slump/. Accessed 19 Oct. 2023.