9 Hacks To Help Cure Mid-Semester Stress | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

9 Hacks To Help Cure Mid-Semester Stress

Because flipping out really doesn't solve anything.

16
9 Hacks To Help Cure Mid-Semester Stress
Bing

1. If you need help, do not be afraid to ask for it.

This is important. I know sometimes it can make you feel a little uncomfortable to ask for help, whether it be for tutoring or just a question that you may have about something, but it is more important that you get the help you need than to worry about the process to get there. Sure, you could send your professor an email, but sometimes it is better to meet with them and ask your question in person. At my school, all of the professors are required to have office hours, and I cannot tell you how many times they have expressed how happy they would be to help with any questions, or even to write recommendation letters. Most of the time they are just sitting in their office, and would love to help you!


2. Do not wait 'til the last minute to work on something that's due.

Procrastination usually seems like a great idea at first, especially when you want to go out and do something fun before you write that paper, or work on those math problems. Sometimes it will work out, and everything goes pretty smoothly, but other times you might end up regretting it.

I can hear all the procrastinators saying, “No, I’m fine, I can get it done no problem." I thought the same thing too, until this semester, and then I was like, this is a really, really bad idea. (Granted, knowing that still does not stop me from procrastinating half the time either.)

With all that said, if you’re going to put something off, give yourself a little extra time to work on it, because I guarantee it’s probably going to take you longer than you think it will. Be diligent.


3. Take some time for yourself.

After you’re caught up, or mostly caught up (because as a college student you’re never truly, completely caught up on your work), go out with your friends, or do something that you truly enjoy. It will put some life and energy back into you after all the draining hours of schoolwork. Go out and have fun, but keep in mind that you will not want to regret it too much in the morning (so you might not want to stay out too late), because you’ve got MORE work to do.

4. Actually go to your classes.

Yes, there will be days that you might think about skipping a class or two, but not only does this affect your attendance, which can affect your grade if you miss too many classes, but it can also affect your grade if you’re not going over the material that is covered in class. Besides, you’d probably rather go to class and get all the information in your brain and written in your notes than to have to go back over those things later.

5. Ask your friends which professors they loved.

Your first semester, you may or may not know anyone who has already been at your school for one or more semesters, so you might have to pick a variety of classes and random professors, and just see how that goes. That, in itself, is a great learning experience, because not only does it help you see which professors or classes you like or dislike, but it also helps you figure out if you want to take another class taught by one of your previous professors, or if you'd rather not.

But by the time your next semester comes around, you have probably made a few friends, and can share your opinions with each other on professors and how they teach, as well as different classes’ workloads. This information can be a great way to pick out future classes, and also can help you figure out whom you want to be taught by, as well as how you want to be taught.

6. Wear proper shoes to class, especially if you are going to be late.

This might sound a little ridiculous, but think about it, if you have to go up and down several flights of stairs, or walk a long distance to get to your class; you probably will regret choosing to wear those cute flip-flops when running up those five flights of stairs, won’t you? I can also guarantee that you will regret wearing anything that does not fit quite right or might cause a blister too. Just the other day I wore this pair of boots for the first time, and I thought they fit my feet right, so I put them on for the day and headed off to my classes. Turns out, they slipped a little on my heel, and I did not have on thick enough socks, so I had to live with that reminder for a few days. (Side note, now that I tightened them up a bit, they fit great!) Basically, just make sure your shoes will be secure on your feet and that they fit right, and you’re all set.

7. …And wear the right kind of clothes.

In addition to proper footwear, be sure to dress appropriately for the temperature outside, AND inside. You're going to want to be comfortable. It could be 85 degrees outside, but you might be sitting in a classroom for a couple hours, cold, because you do not have a jacket for the 68-degree indoor temperature, and you are in a tank top and shorts. Believe me, been there, done that; will not do it again. Sometimes it is easier to go by this rule of thumb in the wintertime when you’re wearing twenty layers of clothes and snow boots because it’s below freezing outside, and you can always shed layers when you are inside. But it’s definitely important to remember that extra layer in the summer, no matter how nice your outfit looks. It is far better to be comfortable and cute, than cute and cold. (See, regardless, you still look great; it’s a win-win!)

8. Get some exercise! It will do you a world of good.

If you play a sport in college, off-season is probably the only time that you might think about this, but for those of us who do not, we could generally always use a little more exercise. Not only does working out burn calories, but it can also help your mind to de-stress as well, and oftentimes that is far more important than getting rid of those extra calories that were consumed while studying. Make time for you, and maybe add a little run or something in there too. It'll probably help you study better once you're done, even if you are really busy.

9. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed.

But refuse to stay in that mindset, because it will make you miserable. Acknowledge that you're going to need to get things done, and set aside time to do so, but don't stress over the future; focus on the present and what you can do now instead. Additionally, it can be really helpful to buy a planner and write down when all of your homework and assignments are due, and then also schedule when you will work on them. If you freak out every now and then, it's okay. Just hop back on the "I'm gonna get stuff done!" train, and you'll be fine. Try to motivate yourself as best as you can, even though at this point you'd rather be doing anything but schoolwork.

Take a moment to breathe. It's all going to be okay, I promise. Break is coming, I repeat, break is coming!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

185595
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11819
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455661
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25205
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments