Mid-Semester Misery

Happy day-before-the-weekend! I apologize for the delay as my internet connection was acting up.

Anyway, let's get down to business. Midterms are coming up, projects are due, the weather is getting colder in certain places. You are getting tired, worn out, drinking way too much coffee and eating too much junk food because it's convenient, cheap, and fast. You are broke, are probably behind in everything including personal hygiene, and your room is probably a mess.

I understand. I have been there more often times than not. The overwhelming sense of not wanting to do everything that needed to have already been done a week ago.

It's hard to keep going especially when all you want to do is play, or go home to a home-cooked meal and your dog.

Here's how you can keep going with motivation:

1. Make a list:

Before I understood how powerful this was, I was in a constant state of feeling overwhelmed. Lists can be long, or short, for a day, a week, or a month, and they can be re-written. Take the list an item at a time and be realistic about what needs to get done.

2. Set Goals:

Goals keep us accountable and make that list more realistic. If you don't have a goal to complete your list, what good does the list do? Make a goal to complete a few tasks by the end of the day, week, or month. You can even make it a goal to complete something by lunch and dinner, too.

2. Take a nap:

You might be thinking this is the worst idea ever because you don't have time. I learned a little while ago that when you do the things that are most important, everything else in your life falls into place. Plus, you'll have a clear mind when you wake up.

3. Visit your nicest teacher's office hours/the teacher you have the best connection with:

Let them know how you are honestly doing. Let them know you're stressed, defeated, and don't want to do this anymore. They will be able to help you get organized, probably give you motivation, and help you get to feeling better about yourself and your to-do list.

4. Call home:

This seems like you wouldn't want to do this because you don't want them to know how behind you are, but once you make that list and have a plan of action, they will understand and be proud of you for making that accomplishment. You may have to get yelled at, or lectured for getting to this place, but you'll eventually be better for it. I always was.

5. Go vote:

This isn't really something will necessarily help get your homework and projects done, but it's something really important you'll need to do in the next few weeks. Take an hour break every day to research where the candidate running in your home county stands on one issue you care about. That's how you will be more informed and feel better about your vote.

Hopefully this helps, and if you would like to talk about what's going on, feel free to DM me!