How I am Trying to Get Out of My Mid Term Slump

Yup, it’s that time of year again. I always find once I’ve finished my first set of assessments and have to go onto the next load I get handed this big lump of demotivation and tiredness. I’m not sure if it’s a combination of the weather, impeding lockdown, online learning and general stress or a select one of these factors but I never feel ecstatic that it’s nearly Christmas or that I have a short time left in my first term.

In all honestly right now I feel stuck. I know I should be starting the mountain of work I have due but I know that it’s a huge task and therefore I put it off for as long as possible (clearly I am a model student). Reading that back it just feels like I am extremely overwhelmed (that’s probably correct).

I also know that I am not the only one feeling this way and that actually it’s probably pretty normal.

Now instead of moaning (which I am also very good at) I thought I’d round up the ways in which I can improve my situation and try and find my mojo again. I know there are certain things I can do to make me feel more motivated which hopefully I can help you with as well.

Whether that is for work, studying or just getting you in the mood to do something productive, here is a list of things you can do to help.

Remove Yourself From Your Space

I know you might be thinking that this is a bizarre thing to suggest seeing I am trying to motivate you to do something productive rather than run away from it. However, one of the best things you can do if you feel stuck in your work is to go a quick walk or have 15mins to make yourself some tea and talk to a friend. I would recommend not going on your phone during this period so you can switch your brain off.

I find a lot of the time that removing myself from the negative space I’ve created around my work makes me feel better when I come back to it. You might also find that this makes you look at your task in a different way as well.

Find Motivation in Other Peoples Content.

As a creative person who enjoys watching the likes of YouTube I often feel myself being surprised at how motivated I get through other people working or ‘vlogging’. Watching other people be productive spurs me onto do my work and makes me realise it’s not half as bad as you think.

Content Creators I recommend you check out are;

I feel like this specific segment goes hand in hand with suggesting that having a break is always a good idea. With online learning making you stare at a screen for the majority of the day, picking up a book for 15mins can also be beneficial for resetting your brain. I’ve been finding more often than not my eyes have begun to hurt because of the length of time I am required to sit in front of a screen. So, if you can find ways to reset your brain that don’t involve a screen I highly recommend you try it. Even if its a quick doodle on a random piece of paper!

Have a Dance Party

As much as I would love to input a photo of myself having a dance party in my room by myself, I don’t think I would ever live that down. So, instead I recommend you get up from your desk/workspace and put on your favourite playlist for 10mins and just dance. When you’re stuck at your desk for a long period of time getting up and moving can make the world of a difference. Plus jamming out to your favourite music supplies you with some great endorphins to boost your mood (if you can get your flatmates etc. to join in then that is even better).

This is also beneficial for when your work space isn’t clean and is obstructing your quality of work. Set a timer for 20 mins, put your headphones in and clean for that solid amount of time. This way you are having a break, singing until your heart is content and being productive. 3 things which can all hugely improve your state of mind when you get back to work.

Stay Away From Your Bed

I know a lot of students will be working from their bedrooms which provides a great view of your extremely comfy bed (me being one of them). However, as soon as you go near it you’ll be laced with the need to sleep or to get more comfortable. Two things which will not make you feel productive. Your bed should be a zone for sleeping so marking it off as a no go zone during the day is the best way to go. This should help both your quality of sleep and your level of productiveness.

I’m also aware that I am no saint when it comes to this. I do have days where I will get into bed and not want to leave it. However, from one seasoned professional to another, just don’t do it. I have learnt that studying from bed has more negative affects than it does positive and if you simply can’t stay away, do your work in another room. You can thank me later.

Listen to Your Body and Plan Your Day.

Setting yourself reasonable tasks to do (3 is a good place to start) will start your day out in a good way and will clear your head of the work you have to do. When I say 3 tasks make sure you break them down into ones which are achievable. For example, rather than writing a whole essay in a day break it down into paragraphs over a week.

On the other hand it is a good idea to listen to what your body needs. If you are lacking sleep work out ways in which you can improve this or if you really feel like there is no way to improve the mood you are in just don’t do the work. Schedule it in for some other time during the week and take a day off. Sometimes you just need to rejuvenate and take some time to yourself.

Respect yourself and what your body needs. Sometimes it is actually more beneficial to just understand that the work you’ll get done just isn’t worth it and will actually end up providing you with more work rather than shortening it. Instead I recommend you do something for yourself; do something creative, cook dinner or bake. This way you are still achieving something while not wallowing in your guilt (trust me I have been there).

Nobody is perfect and I can assure you the person you think is an A* student or works all day in the office and into the night isn’t. We are not made to be like machines. Taking care of yourself is also important. Being productive comes hand in hand with looking after yourself.

I am going to try and be kinder to myself when it comes to my workload. Feeling guilty over it will not do you any good and you’ll soon find having a more positive outlook to even the negative days will make your work a lot better.

I hope these tips are useful and if you have any extra recommendations leave them below!

Much love,

Sophie x

p.s. I came out with a new launch of prints at the weekend so if you fancy checking them out you can find them here.