End of semester stress

The end of another semester has come. The final push up the hill is on before I find myself at the top with a pretty sweet lookout. As always, it can be stressful. There are exams, big essays and reports due and the days are getting colder. I find myself becoming increasingly disengaged from study that once captured me. After writing myself into a tizzy on a big essay, I forget what I am talking about and then start telling myself, ‘’I am sick of this subject’’ or I’ll never do well at this course’’ and go for a walk.

The end of semester can have this affect on me. I find myself really engaged and motivated one minute, and tired and sick of it the next. I’ve noticed the key between both attitudes is knowing when to stop. Knowing when the line that shouldn’t be crossed is fast approaching and about to turn me sour. I call this line the fuzzy line, it’s when I start re-reading sentences, not comprehending content, re-writing phrases, writing less and drifting further and further from the topic as I become increasingly directionless. What is even harder about trying to pull myself out of this state is recognising the early patterns and signs. I try to notice when I don’t have the energetic buzz I get when I go through a bout of productiveness. Once I see the signs and realise the looming slump, I try to act. Luckily there are certain things help me out from a study rut:

Eating and cooking

The two go hand in hand but, a good meal and a good cook up can really help me unwind and refocus. The great thing about the two is there is always an excuse or reason to cook and eat, I am like a hobbit. I snack all day, have breakfast, lunch, brunch, tea and dinner during my grazing. I also find I need to eat enough to fuel my hard-working brain during this time of year. A good study regime is just as much about healthy study habits as it is about healthy eating habits. I try cutting out the biscuits and sweet chocolate muesli bars and instead adding a piece of fruit or healthier muesli bar option on the go.  

A walk

I frequently try to walk when my thoughts won’t flow during my study time. Whether it be quick pacing around a circle or a long walk to the nearest park, walking can invigorate me and help me re-focus. Whilst it may sound odd, one of my favourite places to walk to is a playground! I love relaxing on the swings and find they are still the best tool for a clear head. No matter how old I am, I still think playgrounds can be a space for everyone. After all children are just little monkeys who want to play, and adults are just bigger monkeys.