10 Tips for Finishing the Semester Strong | Millikin University - Millikin University

Ways to push to the finish line successfully, despite COVID burnout

It’s that time of year again when the semester is coming to a close, and it seems like the projects, tests and assignments are endless. Just when you think it’s time to relax from school, you’re reminded of the finals you have to prepare for and assignments you have to finish. This time of the semester is hard during a normal year, but the weight of college mixed with COVID burnout is proving to be tricky. Here are 10 tips on how to finish the last few months of the semester strong while pushing through the burnout from the pandemic.

1. Make a schedule or routine

In the last few months of the semester, it may seem like there are more and more assignments and finals coming your way. Among the sport you might play, organization you may lead or job you may work, it’s important to add “working on X assignment” into that schedule.

2. Take care of yourself, not just your homework

Within that schedule you’re making, don’t forget to add in personal health time. This can help the feeling of burnout, especially when you schedule in a fun physical activity, a new meal to try or even just a nap. Put these into your schedule so everyone, including yourself, know that’s what you’re doing at that time!

3. Don’t skip classes

While it may be easy to skip a class to work on homework for another, or even work on that homework during virtual class, this will just cause you to fall behind! You might skip another class to work on the homework for the previously mentioned class, and you’ll find yourself in a vicious cycle.

4. Think twice about stimulants

Keeping track of all your schoolwork, being conscious of your hygiene and health and looking at Zoom for eight hours a day can be exhausting. It may seem easy to stock up on energy drinks while you’re trying to balance everything, but what your body needs is sleep and a break. Energy drinks will only give you a quick burst of energy, leaving you feeling tired quickly after the effects have worn off.  

5. Make clear, specific goals, but don’t be afraid to be flexible!

Instead of making your end goal “finish all assignments,” make them smaller and more attainable so you feel like you’re making progress along the way. Try “finish IN250 paper by April 30”. If you don’t get goals done by the date you’ve set, look to see everything else you’ve accomplished! Maybe you ate dinner every night this week and were in bed by 10 p.m. Go easy on yourself.

6. Make your workplace a comfortable space that makes you feel good

In a time before COVID you were able to keep your workspace separate from your leisure spaces. Now, you may not have that luxury. Make your space comfortable and productive, whatever that means to you, to make it easier to want to spend time there. Chances are, you’ll be more productive if you’re in a good mood.

7. Prioritize

There’s so much to do in the next few months that it may be hard to figure out what’s the most important. However, this is an essential step to making sure you get everything done on time. The paper that’s due in May might come after the assignment that’s due tomorrow, but that paper that is worth more percentage or your grade probably takes precedent over rewriting your notes for the third time.

8. Use your campus resources

Never feel ashamed to use your campus resources like the Center for Academic and Professional Performance (CAPP) or Student Mental and Behavioral Health Services (SMBH), among others. These staff members are here to help you through all the stresses and crises that may arise.

9. Set boundaries with your social media intake

Temporarily turning off your notifications or even deleting social media apps all together can help with your productivity in schoolwork, and with the stress and anxiety that COVID may bring. It’s good to stay informed on news in your area and life, but too much of it can be a bad thing.

10. Reward yourself

After it is all said and done, be sure reward yourself. You’ve worked hard all semester and have come out on top, despite the challenges. Remember to reward yourself with something fun you wouldn’t always have or do, not basic needs. “Going to bed on time” is a basic need, not a reward. You deserve that ice cream or new pair of shoes after everything you’ve accomplished!

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