We’re halfway through the semester now, meaning we’re either waiting for the onslaught of coursework to hit or… Nope, that’s it. Just generally panicking about how stressed we’re about to be.

Before all that madness starts, there’s some smart things to incorporate in your uni routine that might make things a little easier.

#1 Start Walking To Uni

And by walking to uni, we of course mean to the closest bus stop or train station that takes you to uni.

Starting off your day with a brisk walk will boost your mood and self esteem, meaning you can carry that good energy with you all throughout the day. Much better to go into a hectic exam feeling only partially stressed, rather than full-on stressed.

#2 Write Down Available Study Days

OK, so your assignments aren’t due for another three weeks. But if you sit down and look at how many days you have to actually work on them, you’ll realise you only have about four days.

Sit down now and schedule blocks of time on available days where you can actually get stuff done. Set alerts a day before too so you absolutely don’t forget. Oh, and when the time comes to do it, don’t put it off. Just get it done.

#3 Listen To A Podcast A Day

Podcasts are the best way to take in information without having to do anything remotely strenuous. They’ll keep your mind active and alert, but won’t fatigue you like pages and pages of reading will.

#4 Offer To Write Up Notes For A Classmate

Karma is totally a thing, and around this time of the semester, you’ll need as much of the good stuff as you can get. Offering your notes to another classmate means that a) you’re revising b) they might offer you their notes as well c) you’re being a very good person that good things will happen to. Win/win/win.

#5 Have A Should-Less Day

Actor Ellen Burstyn appeared on the Death, Sex & Money podcast and spoke about how she has “should-less” days. She said, “Today is a day where there’s nothing I should do. So I only do what I want to do. And if it’s nap in the afternoon or watch TV and eat ice cream, I get to do it.” She continued to explain that we’re all wired to feel guilty about taking time off, or to feel like we’re lazy. But if you set aside just one day, and give yourself permission to sloth about, you’ll quieten that worry.

So have a day where you do absolutely nothing “productive” and don’t feel guilty about it. It’ll help you recharge and get stuck into uni work when you’re done.