The end of the semester is nearing, and so is the end of students’ and professors’ academic motivation. Spring tends to be the hardest part of the year to get past when it comes to academia because everyone can see summer just peeking around the corner. With the end so close, yet so far, students and professors alike must fight the “spring slump” that affects so many of us.
It’s hard to keep up with classes and find the will to complete all those seemingly tedious assignments year-round, and it only gets more difficult as we continue to advance in the spring semester. Alyssa Alonso, Psychology Professor said that it definitely helps to set mini-goals while doing school work so that you can “do a little bit there, and a little bit here, and suddenly you’re done.” In other words, don’t procrastinate and force yourself to do everything at once. Sophomore Madeline Boutwell said that she keeps herself from falling into the spring slump by remembering that “it’s more than just trying to get an A in a class-it’s trying to reach my end goal,” which, for Boutwell, is to be an occupational therapist.
The spring slump is a very real thing, so don’t let it creep up on you. Make daily goals, and keep your end goal in mind to keep you motivated.
Reward yourself: By having little rewards for yourself you have something to work towards. While working on reading or writing an essay, have an end goal that isn’t just finishing the work. Try adding in a desert or a nap once you finish your work.
Stay healthy: Certain foods like carbohydrates and sugars tend to wear people down making them groggy and tired. Adding in some time at the gym can help release endorphins that can get you into the working mindset.
Don’t be late: Even though it sounds like a great idea to hit snooze a few times, when your alarm goes off, get up immediately. This will help with giving you a burst of energy and in class on time. Even if you’re only 5-10 minutes late you can still miss valuable information.
Stay organized: Staying organized or becoming re-organized can help you feel more prepared for future deadlines. Having a small planner or even a white board with due dates can help your mind stay clear and less cluttered with multiple due dates.
Remember the big picture
Always remember why you came to college in the first place. You’re here to better your future. Look at the big picture. It may look like a lot now but once you’re walking across the the stage with your diploma, things don’t seem like they were that bad.
Lidia Roque / The Lasso
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