5 Mid-Semester Mindfulness Tips

With mid-semester approaching, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with trying to balance school, a social life, and extracurricular activities. On top of trying to balance everything, mid-semester is when motivation to do well in school drops.

It is okay to feel overwhelmed-it is about acknowledging that and finding ways to find motivation again. Here are some things you can do to fight feelings of burnout and get back on track:

1. Maintain a strict sleep schedule

With trying to balance school, work, family, and social life, it’s easy to sacrifice sleep. What most don’t understand is that sleep is linked to our ability to concentrate, cope with stress, and memorize. Maintaining a strict sleep schedule and following it - even on the weekends - will help you fall asleep easier and make waking up easier.

2. Move!

Whether it is yoga, dance, or a morning run, any type of physical activity releases endorphins which are happy hormones. This can help you manage your stress better and help you relax before a big exam or a presentation. Incorporating physical activity not only improves your mood but also energizes you so you can get more done!

3. Take time for yourself

Taking time for yourself and doing what you enjoy will give you a chance to recharge, which in return improves your concentration and gives you a sense of balance. It is important to spend time on your own doing the things you enjoy, whether that is spending time with loved ones, reading a good book, or painting, as long as it brings you a sense of clarity and fights burnout.

4. Take a technology break and spend time outdoors

Emails, texts, and calls make it hard for you to focus and cause stress. Spending time with nature - even if just going for a 20-minute walk - is a good way for your brain to take a break from your current stressors and focus on the present moment. Some outdoor activities include hiking, biking, or a morning run.

5. Breathing exercises

The way you breathe affects your whole body. You breathe differently when you are stressed versus when you are relaxed. Practicing breathing exercises will bring your focus back to the present moment and let you focus on one thing at a time. These are some breathing techniques you can try: eupnea, hyperpnea, and costal.

Making time for even one of these tips can make a huge difference in how you manage stress and stay motivated to maintain a balance. It’s never wrong to take time for yourself; taking time for yourself only means that you will perform better in other areas of your life!

By Ranvitha Divi