How to reclaim your motivation after mid-sem break
Mid-sem break is over, so by now you’ve probably established a pretty good relationship with your bed (and most definitely Netflix). You’re probably starting to remember all those assignments you’ve conveniently forgotten, knowing you’d rather pull your own teeth out then get started. If you’re struggling, here are some tips to help beat the mid-sem slump and stay motivated throughout the semester.
Create a bomb-ass playlist
The easiest way to get through a study sesh is to have a personalised playlist that gives you a boost. If you are one of those people who can’t listen to anything without dancing, then find a song with no lyrics that gets your blood pumping (‘Brightness’ by Walden is a good one). If you would rather listen to the sound or rainfall or ocean waves, then make a nature playlist that eases your mind and helps you focus. Personally, nothing feels better then blasting some Nicki Minaj in the car on the way to uni and nailing all the words, but it’s all about finding what motivates you.
Clean your room
An organised room equals an organised mind. So put away the mounds of clothes that have been piling up, return all those mugs you’ve been hoarding and for God’s sake, open a window! Let that spring breeze blow away the stench of guilt from avoiding your assignments this whole break.
Organising your books and papers makes a world of difference. If you’re organised and know where everything is you will be much more motivated to do your work, rather than needing to search before you can even start it. So stop stalling and get it done!
Contact your study buddy
No matter how hard you try, sometimes you can’t find the power to motivate yourself. That’s where your support group comes in. Working with uni mates can get you back on track to focus on what needs to be done. Use each other to clarify questions you’re unsure about, share notes and most importantly, motivate each other! If you don’t have a study partner, I suggest finding one. Study buddies can make the workload a lot easier to bear, and it’s important to have someone to talk to and have one or two mental breakdowns with.
Treat yo self
Set weekly goals and reward yourself when you achieve them. And no, I don’t mean binge-watching another season on Netflix. Read a chapter of your book, ride your bike, take a power nap but do not I repeat DO NOT fall into the big swirling void of despair that is the internet. You tell yourself you’ll just watch one video of Doug the Pug and before you know it, you’re five hours deep in conspiracy theories that make you question your whole existence. Not like this has ever happened to me before… *nervous laughter*.
Find your inspiration
Ask yourself: what makes you get out of bed in the morning? Your family? Your friends? Memes? Whatever it is, use that as motivation to get you through semester. Remember why you are studying this degree, and ask yourself where you want to be in 10 years’ time. Looking at what you want to accomplish in the future can help motivate you to keep on top of things now. Find some motivational quotes that inspire you and repeat them when enduring hard times. Remember, if Britney Spears can make it through 2007, you can make it through this semester.
Sophie Nicolas
Sophie is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts and is an aspiring writer, dog enthusiast and thrift shop fashion icon.