5 tips to help you hit your stride second semester

As winter turns into spring, spring sports start, more outdoor activities become available, and it’s harder to stay motivated when school is so close to being over.

However, you shouldn’t let these things trip you so close to the finish line. Here are a few things you can do to keep yourself going.

Set yourself a few small, specific, achievable goals.

By setting a few small goals that are easily achievable, you’re giving yourself small rewards and resetting your own personal expectations.

Some good examples could be; turning in all assignments on time for a week, studying for twenty minutes with a friend, or paying attention for a full class. 

Once you start achieving these goals, try setting goals that are a little more challenging. 

Set regular reminders to complete each step.

This one requires commitment, but not a lot of extra work. 

Setting reminders could be alarms on your phone, writing on a sticky note, writing in your notes app, texting a friend and asking them to remind you, writing in a journal, and so on. Various reminders are more likely to keep you from forgetting. 

For some people, having someone hold you accountable for your progress makes it easier to accomplish their tasks.

Experimenting with all kinds of reminders is key.

Positive Self-talk

Though it may seem cliché or embarrassing, positive self-talk is and important and effective way to manage stress and anxiety. It improves self-esteem, helps you stay optimistic, and refocuses the mind. 

So it’s ok to tell yourself “you’ve got this,” or look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you can get through the day.

There’s nothing wrong with being your own personal cheerleader. 

Take a break and refresh your mind.

Sometimes you just need a break. Being overwhelmed can make things more difficult than they have to be. Stepping away for a day or giving yourself time to breathe is an excellent way to build enough resilience to take on the day. 

Take time to eat a nice breakfast, go for a long walk around the neighborhood, spend time with family or friends, and so on. Your body and mind need care to stay healthy. 

Once you’re feeling refreshed, it can be easier to handle stress and anxiety. 

Challenge your mind with something different.

If your brain is fried and turning to mush, you could need something else to get your mind working again. 

Try picking up a hobby. It will allow your mind to refocus on other things, and give it a break on what it usually is focused on. Plus, getting your mind off of your usual tasks can help relieve stress and refresh your mind. 

Some common hobbies include crocheting, creative writing, drawing, houseplant care, journaling, lego building, listening to music and podcasts, origami, painting, puzzles, reading, sewing, singing, working out, etc. 

Not sure what kind of hobby will be best for you? Draw up a vision board with everything (serious or non serious) you want to do in your life.

Health, whether it’s mental, physical, or emotional, should be a top priority. 

There’s no point in being on top of everything if you aren’t happy and healthy enough to enjoy and celebrate your success.