I have an app on my phone that sends me reminders a few times a day, mainly about a calm mind. It was then that all I could think about was how cluttered my mind was. All I could focus on was my grades, my sorority, getting a job, volunteering at the hospital... And the list continues. It was crazy how just that quote alone made me realize how much of a mid-semester fog I was in. It's a whirlwind of stress and disorganized thoughts and actions. Here are five things that have helped get me out of my mid-semester fog. Hopefully, these will help you.
1. Plan
Every Sunday, I take out my agenda and write out every test, exam, meeting, or event for the upcoming week. It allows you to prepare for what's coming up. Some other alternatives to this are updating a Google calendar, starting a bullet journal, or starting a Post-it note wall. Try to do anything that will help you visualize what to expect.
2. Clean
If your environment is disorganized, it is more likely that you will be, too. It is easy to get distracted in a cluttered space. Take some time to clean up your room, your desk, or even something small like your backpack. I feel claustrophobic if my room is cluttered. It stresses me out more than I already am.
3. Do something nice for yourself
My go-to is buying myself a cup of coffee or tea. When I do something for myself that I typically won't, it makes things (no matter how stressful) seem to be not as bad. Sometimes you need to take a second to relax before you consider your plan of action.
4. Discuss your options
When you narrow down everything that you need to get done, consider your options. Maybe you shouldn't go out with your friends every night and, instead, get a few extra study hours in. Maybe you should adjust your budget so that you can cover rent easier. Once you identify what you need to work on, you start to see CHOICES. This may help you feel a little better.
5. Talk to people
Here's the funny thing... You are not the only person that has ever been stressed or has a lot to get done. When I am in a mid-semester fog, my mom is my go-to for solutions. Sometimes, you need a push to be more productive, to change your ways, or to give you a bit of motivation. Another good person to talk to is your professor. If you're struggling in a class or are at a standstill with a subject, they are there to help you. Maybe they'll give you some tips and tricks to help you get back on track.
