Get out of your funk, get off of your couch!

It’s that time of year again, midterm season. You have started skipping classes, you only want to nap and hard work just seems pointless. We’ve all been there. We are all there.

But you’ve made it halfway through, and there are only about 50 days left in the semester! Give yourself a round of applause. 

However, that means we still have to finish the semester, and ace our classes. Don’t fret yet. Here are some ways to cope and get you back on track to that 4.0.

Xiao Jennings, an MFT specializing with young adults and teens and a retention counselor at El Camino College, shared how the mid-semester slump is a problem she sees a lot. She said that when October comes around, everything becomes more of a routine as students get used to their schedule. 

According to Jennings, this causes a lot of students in the semester system to not do well, because a 16-week routine is a lot. Semester students start to have low energy, and some of them even have a mild depression. Mental health issues can arise, and students get a general “blah” feeling.

Jennings tells students that to get re-motivated, they need to make present goals, to say, “This is my goal, example: I want to go to graduate school so I need A’s.”

  1. Jennings suggested to put a quote that pumps you up you on your screensaver, or on your mirror to motivate you. Give yourself the motivation you need to succeed.

She warns students to be aware that this is a time of drifting. Remind yourself why you’re doing this, and that it’s important to have a friend hold you accountable.

  1. Re-organize. Make a checklist, so that you can get things done ahead of time on the weekends,” said Ansley Wozab, a sophomore public relations major. She also suggested looking ahead in the syllabus for a class, so you’re not overwhelmed when an essay or test comes up.

Jennings reminds students to,“Be intentional, work hard, think about what it looks like for you to work hard, 80 percent of students procrastinate.”

Other than remotivating yourself, it’s good to also reward your hard work with self-care.

Jennings says to “reward yourself for working well, have some ice cream, but stay away from social media, as it can be a black hole.”

  1. It’s good to reward yourself, and to acknowledge your accomplishments. Treat yourself, you’ve made it this far. Go out and try something new. Treating yourself to a meal, or trying a new restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, is a great way to break your routine. It feeds you, and gives you a reason to get off the couch.

College Board suggests to “Give yourself a quick reward when you complete an assignment or task. Take a walk, send an email, get a snack — whatever works for you. Then move on to the next project.” 

  1. Music is always a great way to rewind and relax. It can pump you up and make you happy if you’re sad, or calm you down when you’re overwhelmed. Try making a new playlist, or find a new playlist curated by Spotify. Maybe even listen to something instrumental or some slow dancing oldies. 
  2. Another way to reset, and get out of the mid-semester slump is with a change in scenery. Ivy Lu, a junior communication studies major, said she likes to go off campus to a coffee shop to work. It’s good to get out of bed. Try going on a picnic with friends and to relive those glorious summer days. 

We’re all working hard, and sometimes we need to give ourselves a break. Give yourself a big reward, maybe even go on a vacation, because after your vacation, you’re going to have to get back to work.