We've all felt the dread that comes with the middle of the semester. Midterms, late drops, class carts for next semester... This causes a lot of students to experience burnout.
But don't worry - it's not the end of the world! Here are five tips to help you recover from burnout and finish the semester strong.
Have a night out (or in) with friends.
Go to a party with some friends! There is nothing more fun to do in college than attend the parties. You'll have fun, laugh, and make unforgettable memories. If you're a bit introverted, like me, never fear! Relaxing at your apartment with a friend or two is bound to give you the same fun experience, plus you'll be more comfortable in your PJs.
Get a massage.
Don't knock it until you try it. Seriously. Massages help you to get rid of tension you didn't know you had. Maybe you have a stiff back from sitting in the hard plastic chairs in your classrooms. Maybe your neck hurts from leaning on your hand all day. Maybe your wrist is cramped from writing so much. Massages are relaxing and benefit you physically as well as mentally.
Start journaling.
Start writing out your feelings. Sure, I'm not a therapist, but writing down your frustrations can help a whole lot when you're too exhausted to think straight. One of my favorite things to do after venting on the page is making a simple, neat to-do list. This helps me organize my thoughts so I can see exactly what I have to do and when. Don't stress yourself out, it doesn't have to be perfect!
Get some exercise.
Sweat it out! I've learned in my years of being a student that burnout causes anxiety. It's hard to sit still and focus on your assignment when your hands are shaking and your heart is racing. But I found a solution - the gym! It's much more productive (and fun) to sweat out your stress on the treadmill or punching bag than sitting hunched over a page. Plus, you get to listen to music.
Take a nap!
Ahh, my favorite option. Sleep. It's better to take a nap if you're tired than to drink an energy drink or hop yourself up on caffeine. Sure, they're temporary solutions, but caffeine and sugar almost always end in a crash. Do yourself a favor and take a nap! You'll have more energy when you wake up and you'll most likely get more stuff done than if you'd just chugged a Red Bull. Also, be sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night!
