Preventing the Mid-Semester Slump

Although finals season is the most notorious for cram sessions, all-nighters, and other unhealthy study habits, the mid-semester slump can be just as vicious. This is the time in the middle of the semester when motivation slacks, and there are no major due dates or threats of low grades around the corner to encourage engagement. If you're feeling the mid-semester slump, these practices and tips can help.

Create Your Own Incentives

Although dropping the ball during a mid-semester slump can have its effects on your GPA, it often doesn't seem that way because the end of the semester is so far away. To rekindle your motivation, create incentives for yourself. This can mean treating yourself to a dinner out or a night of self-pampering with a good book after reaching a study goal. Alternately, it can mean taking away certain privileges from yourself, such as watching Netflix or going out for drinks, until certain tasks are finished.

Add Healthy Habits to Take Care of Yourself

Sometimes more than anything, a slump is just a mental block. Take a step back and add some self-care to your routine to help clear your head. Simple actions like taking a walk outside or signing up for a yoga class can have a big impact on your motivation and mindset. A 20-minute-break away from the computer screen or textbook can allow you to come back to work reinvigorated.

Build in Accountability

Scheduling regular study time with a peer or asking a family member to check-in on your progress can help make your goals feel more immediate and real. Even just physically writing down a to-do list or reminder note may help you hold yourself more accountable. Of course, don't forget to take advantage of the available student advising with SoPA. An advisor can help you connect your coursework to your bigger career goals and professional development.

Log Off

Mid-semester slumps and procrastination go hand-in-hand. In order to combat this, plan on logging off entirely during study sessions. If you're taking online classes, you can download any necessary materials and disable the wi-fi on your laptop—and leave your phone outside of the room to fully increase productivity.

The mid-semester slump does not discriminate, and even the most studious can fall victim to it. At the Tulane School of Professional Advancement, we care about your academic and career success. Explore our student resources online, including tutoring help and career services.