Written by Sanya Mehra
Peak midterm season can always feel sudden, even if you’ve prepared the utmost for each one of the exams. For me, this season has always been a time of too much caffeine, 500+ slides to look over and stress. So, so much stress that becoming overwhelmed is something that is bound to happen. Therefore, to combat such a difficult period in our lives, I’ve put together a few tips so we don’t all fall into a slump this season!
Firstly, don’t let stress manage you and your lifestyle. I always fall victim to this every time because my brain automatically associates my lab work and lecture slides as a regular stream of stress, or like a subscription I’m paying for every month, with no way to opt out. We are all going to be stressed, a little or more, depending on each person, but what matters is how we deal with it. If we let it overwhelm our lives and spread like wildfire in our minds until it’s the only thing we can think of, then we’re doomed! While stress for me is a nauseating feeling each semester, I’ve learned to logically opt out of letting it overwhelm me. For example, I ask myself, “If I freak myself out, is that going to help me understand how I’m making notes for three exams at the same time?” The answer, obviously, is no! If we can mentally track down our thinking process, sit down with our feelings and reflect logically on what the best course of action is, and focus on that, we’re managing quite well already!
Next, always use a schedule! For me, having a planner where I can work through when I should start working on assignments or making notes, when the due dates and exams are, has helped me process so much already. This is great for reducing the extra stress you may carry on your shoulders and is an ultimate guide to having a balanced lifestyle amidst this chaotic environment.
Thirdly, think of your motivators, and if that doesn’t work, think about how you can improve. Bad marks exist, and while that is often the biggest reason for a lack of motivation, we cannot give up just yet. I usually make a list of my future goals, stick them on my desktop and stare at it for as long as it takes for my mind to go like “oh, if I give up now, I won’t ever get that!” Of course, rest up (get good sleep and food), but also remember how you need to pick yourself up afterward to push through just a little more. Growth is always the key goal, and to achieve it, we should always think about the steps to progress in a class rather than how to perfect something.
Lastly, I think this is one of the most important ones: lean on your loved ones and friends. I struggled with this the most because I’d always think about how everyone is going through it, and why should I overwhelm someone else with my stressful situation? However, a key thing I forgot was that they’re here for me because they love me and genuinely care about my well-being. Therefore, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends and family to destress and plan how to pick yourself up again!
Now that I’ve written all of this out, I hope that the tips that worked for me work for others who read this, too! Always remember, it’s difficult during midterm season, but there are ways to ease your stress levels and improve your skills even though it may seem like there is not enough time to do so!