We get it: midterm season is hard. But how can you juggle studying, keeping up with your coursework, your social life and not die from stress? Here are five tips to help organize your life to be successful during this stressful week (or few if you're so lucky).
1. Use the calendar on your phone
When I was a freshman, I never used my phone to plan out my week. I would forget deadlines and not allocate my time wisely just because I did not know what I had to do during the week. Your phone will update you when you have to start the next task and I recommend setting time limits to each task. It will make sure you don't spend too much time on one assignment and you will finish more within a set amount of time.
2. Set reminders for all the small things
I know that during midterm season everything begins to pile up and you forget about buying groceries or when to do laundry. You know, the fun things. Setting reminders for yourself on your phone will free your brain of all the clutter and help you focus on the bigger issues, like how many notecards you need to make for your chemistry exam. Your phone will notify you about your smaller tasks and you can decide how important it is to complete on that day.
3. Prioritize your tasks based on deadlines
I used to do the easiest things first instead of doing what was most important first (okay I'm guilty of doing this on occasion still). If there is a research paper due on Thursday and an exam on Friday, start the paper on Sunday and finish it by Tuesday. Create notecards (or however else you study) on Monday, but focus more heavily on the paper.
4. Have a small self-care routine
While this may seem strange or random, it's not. Whether you go for a 20-minute walk outside, take a long shower or read something for pleasure before bed, it's important to have a moment not related to school. Take care of your mental state as well as your grades. With a fresh mind, you will accomplish more tasks and stay focused.
5. Leave one night for fun
Fun? Are you kidding me? I have 20 papers and 80 exams this week. Stress is temporary, GPA is forever. Yes, I have heard all of these phrases before. It's important to have a break from it all. Reset your brain with a night out or have some friends over to watch Netflix. Everyone needs time to socialize and stay sane. Just be sure this night is not used as a way to procrastinate, but as a treat for everything you accomplished this week.
Midterms are always stressful and balancing it can be difficult. These tips will help you navigate this stressful time and stay relatively happy.
