Midterm season… again

My go-to strategy to keep stress-levels low while deadlines pile is to plan, plan, and plan again. I like to plan and organize around every deadline so I’m always prepared (or at least more prepared than I would have been if I hadn’t). My personal favourite is Google calendar, since it lets me create different events and tasks that I can cross off as I complete them.
February 20, 2018

By: Sergio Santolo

Yes, the midterm season is upon us once again… but that also means one more thing – summer is that much closer. I know it’s hard getting through these endless amounts of assignments and papers. I mean, didn’t the first semester JUST end? Well, that’s just the way it goes, unfortunately. We can’t change the fact that we have to do all this work, but we can, however, make it a little more bearable.

My go-to strategy to keep stress-levels low while deadlines pile is to plan, plan, and plan again. I like to plan and organize around every deadline so I’m always prepared (or at least more prepared than I would have been if I hadn’t). My personal favourite is Google calendar, since it lets me create different events and tasks that I can cross off as I complete them.

Another sure-fire way to make it through midterm season is to stay healthy. Don’t let your eating crumble just because of a temporary midterm. Also, remember to stay hydrated. If you’re feeling bogged down, take a nice 10 to 15-minute walk or stretch or meditation moment to clear your head up a little bit and get refocused. Take a break to meditate and practice some mindfulness.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the commotion associated with midterms and exams; however, there are a couple of things you should always remember:

Don’t overthink things: Take things one step at a time and keep things in perspective. Not everything we think is bad is actually bad, and sometimes the answer IS that simple.

Trust yourself: Sure, sometimes others provide some good advice and we ought to listen to it. But sometimes, the only person that knows you best is yourself. In the end, always trust your instincts.

Focus on your own progress and success: There will always be someone performing better than you or achieving more than you, and that’s okay! We all progress at our own pace and it’s important to remember. If we spend all our time comparing ourselves to others, we will never grow.

This stress is temporary and you can get through it: Take it just as it’s written. You may be stressed right now, but you won’t be stressed forever. Always try your best!

Sleep: 5 hours AT LEAST. Do it for yourself, you deserve some rest.

McMaster University is also always here for you. You can always stop by the Student Success Centre or Student Wellness Centre.

About Sergio

Sergio Santolo blogged for the Student Success Centre from 2017 to 2018.