The middle of the semester can feel like hitting a wall. The start of semester excitement fueled with energy and enthusiasm starts to fade, and suddenly every assignment and exam feels much heavier than the last. Energy drinks and chocolate become their own food group, sleep schedules fall apart, and motivation is looking toward Thanksgiving break. While midterm week may seem it is all about surviving, it’s more about managing your mindset, pacing yourself, and celebrating the small wins.
One Day at a Time
Feeling overwhelmed with all the midterms starting to pile up? A mountain of work is suddenly before you and the only way to cope is to narrow your focus to one day, or even one assignment, at a time. In my experience, when I look at everything I need to get done in a week, it overwhelms me before I get one assignment finished. Instead, I focus on “easy” assignments that are due first to get me warmed up to eventually study for the hard tests/group projects. Remember, progress compounds. By focusing on what’s right in front of you, you prevent burnout and build confidence step by step.
Reward the Little Victories
Midterms can feel like you are running a marathon with no breaks and no finish line in sight. Breaking up each of your midterms with small incentives/rewards can make all the difference. Just finished a long study session? Treat yourself with a delicious bagel from 5th Street Bagelry just down the road or a 20-minute YouTube break. Completed a tough exam? Hang out with roommates or friends for a few hours to decompress. These moments of reward signal to your brain that effort leads to something positive, keeping you motivated to keep going.
Lean on Your Support System
When you’re deep in midterm chaos, it’s easy to forget that you’re not in this alone. Whether it’s a quick venting session with classmates or a study group that keeps you accountable, connecting with others reminds you that everyone is in the same boat. Sometimes, the words “same here” hits different when feeling stressed out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because someone else is probably feeling the same way as you are.
The mid-semester slump is real but remember that it is only one chapter in your semester journey. You’ve made it this far because you are capable, determined, and resilient. Take a deep breath, tackle one assignment at a time, celebrate the small wins, and lean on your support system when you get overwhelmed. This slump doesn’t last forever, and you’ll be stronger when you get past it.