Spring semester is packed with some of the most coveted Penn State traditions, from THON, Movin’ On and State Patty’s.
But when these EVENTS pass and we are left to reconcile our grades or other lingering responsibilities, it can feel impossible to bounce back. Here are some VALLEY’s tips and tricks to pull you out of your second semester slump!
Get Yourself a Planner!
This one is both a placebo and an effective way to be productive.
While writing down what you have to do is not the same thing as doing it, feeling organized might just lead to actualized organization in your life. Plus, scribbling in a note book makes you look super mysterious in class.
Your planner can double as not just an organizational tool but also almost as a diary. Along side your tasks leave little notes of motivation for yourself or even reminders of why said task must be finished by a certain deadline. This will make you feel more in tune with your responsibilities, and writing things down is scientifically proven to help you remember them!
Balancing Going out and Staying in
Know yourself! If you know going out on a Wednesday will most likely lead to a three day bender, getting your work done ahead of time will leave future hungover you in a state of gratitude that might just subdue your pounding headache and hangxiety.
Think ahead of what your social schedule is going to look like and plan accordingly. Don’t leave massive assignments for Sunday you to deal with or your case of the Sunday scaries will only get scarier. And if it feels like you’re already behind, or even on the brink, there’s no shame in staying in. Not only will you be catching up on assignments, but also much needed rest. You’re never going to feel like your most capable self if you’re drained and exhausted.
Weekend Home/Staycation
This one isn’t attainable for everybody, but a weekend home might just be what your mind and body needs to recover. Seeing your family, alongside a home cooked meal or just your favorite hometown spot, might be just the reset your soul needs to get back into school mode.
If going home isn’t possible, a State College staycation can do the trick! Pretend you’re away for the weekend and indulge in all of your favorite food places, whether it be Carters Table or D.P. Dough, while you catch up on work or binging new Netflix releases.
In the end we all succumb to the craziness of second semester but try not to let it get the best of you and fog your semester goals. You got this!
Let @VALLEYMag on Instagram know other ways you like being productive or how you de-stress after a long, busy week.
