6 ways to overcome the mid-semester slump

Student walking with a cup of coffee in hand

You may notice that your initial enthusiasm for a new semester has started to wear off.��

Mid-semester can come with a variety of challenges, including:��

Pressure to manage and complete multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously
Difficulty maintaining consistent study habits or routines
Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of content in your courses
Mental fatigue, burnout or a loss of energy and focus
Uncertainty about your academic performance, especially if you’re waiting on grades from previous assignments or tests
Trying to juggle academics with socializing or extracurricular activities��

Many students share these experiences, and it’s important to keep in mind that if you’re experiencing a ‘slump,’ you’re not alone.��

Here are some tips to help you find the motivation to keep going.����

1. Refresh your study spot��

While studying in the same spot can be helpful for many people, it can also have impacts on your energy, creativity and motivation. If you feel yourself getting stuck or having mental blocks, try switching up your space.��

Here are a few ways you can give your space a refresh:��

Explore: Try taking a break from your usual study spot to explore other options. For instance, you may try going to a different library, scoping out a new cafe or finding another nook on campus. Not sure where to go? CU has a comprehensive list of study spots on campus.��

Designate zones: Create clear boundaries around where you study and where you rest. For instance, try to avoid studying in bed. This will help your brain switch between focus and relaxation mode more effectively.��

Tune in. Experiment with how sounds affect your mood and concentration while studying. For instance, you can try to play nature sounds, brown or green noise or enjoy the ambient sounds of the space around you. If you find sounds to be too distracting, consider using noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs to reduce distractions.��

Clear your space. Before you start studying, spend five minutes clearing your desk space of clutter and dust. This can help reduce visual distractions and help you maintain focus on the task at hand.��

Add personal touches. Does your study space at home lack inspiration or feel stale? Try adding personal touches like decorations, plants, a diffuser, photographs or a lamp to inspire more creativity and make your study space a place you actually want to be in.��

2. Use time-management tools��

When you’re feeling particularly unmotivated, you may dread sitting down to study or work on an assignment. One way to overcome this is to set a time limit, so you can work through it in short bursts.��

Here is a 15-minute strategy you can use: ��

Ready: Set a timer for 15 minutes.��

Set: Choose a specific task to focus on and set a goal for what you’d like to get done. For instance, you may simply want to work on a citations page or format a presentation.��

Go: Start studying! Try to push yourself to get as much done in the 15-minute time span as possible.��

This method can be effective because it creates a sense of urgency without requiring a lot of time to do it.��

To make the most of this method, consider the following:��

Remove distractions: Consider turning your phone notifications off while you work. This can prevent you from getting distracted or unfocused while you work.��

Track your time: Do you still feel motivated after the 15 minutes have passed? Keep track of how you’re feeling and use this information to adjust your timer.��

Prioritize assignments: Dreaded tasks tend to be the ones we avoid or procrastinate on the most. Consider using this method for assignments that feel daunting first. It may also be helpful to prioritize tasks based on point values. For instance, it may be more practical to focus on studying for an exam that’s worth 50 points rather than a discussion post that’s only worth 5 points.��

If you need additional help building consistent study habits or overcoming hurdles, you can schedule a free session with a peer wellness coach or explore tutoring services.��

3. Lean on others��

Isolation can amplify the mid-semester blues. Connecting with others can help provide both motivation and emotional support. ��

Here are some ways you can create a study community: ��

Create study groups: Look for classmates who share your academic goals and work style. Consider inviting them to form a study group that can meet regularly and keep each other accountable. Just be sure to check your class syllabi to understand potential limitations and remember the Honor Code. ��

Join affinity groups: There are a variety of affinity groups on campus for different student populations, including first-generation students and commuters. These groups provide supportive communities, resources and study spaces for students. Some even offer community study sessions. ��

Celebrate milestones together: Did you finally turn in that assignment or take that exam? Celebrate these victories with friends or classmates. Taking time to recognize these types of accomplishments doesn’t have to depend on the outcome or grade you receive. You can simply celebrate the fact that it’s over.��

Connect with your faculty: Attending office hours, chatting with your teaching assistants (TAs) and using other resources for your classes can be great ways to explore questions you may be having about the materials or your performance in a class.

4. Prioritize your well-being��

Did you know that spending time to take care of yourself can actually improve your academic performance? ��

Here are some ways self-care can help you stay motivated and perform better:��

Get sleep: Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night and avoid pulling all-nighters to study. It can be especially helpful to get into a routine where you wake u

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