We are more than halfway through the semester, which means we’ve officially reached burnout season. After the glorious hiatus of fall break, getting back to classes can be a drag. However, there are ways to combat this lethargy that often strikes when getting back into a seemingly endless routine.
- Get organized
Take a few hours to plan out your next few weeks: What assignments are due? When are your next exams? What events do you want to attend? Having a visual, written-out plan of what is coming up helps to reduce stress. You can do this on a sheet of notebook paper, in a planner, or, for a more environmentally-friendly option, you can use an app. Google Calendar and Notion are both free apps that can be downloaded on IOS and Android devices and accessed online.
- Schedule time to relax
This goes hand-in-hand with the first point on this list but is important enough to constitute its own bullet point. Asbury is committed to academic excellence and spiritual vitality. That often means long hours studying and time spent in fellowship to become closer to our peers and our God. Yet as a community, we are also called to observe the Sabbath. So, take Sunday off if you can. Try to rework your week around your Sabbath to get much-needed rest that gets neglected all too often.
- Get outside
It is common knowledge that getting outdoors improves overall wellness. According to WebMD, spending time outside can help to reduce anxiety and improve focus, immunity, and sleep. So, when you find (or make) the time, head out to the reservoir with some friends or a good book or take a hike at our Equine Trails. If you’ve got too much work on your plate, go work on the Student Center porch. Take advantage of our beautiful campus.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro technique is a focusing method that aims to reduce distractions, avoid mental fatigue and increase productivity. It is a cycle that follows these guidelines:
- Decide on a task
- Set a 25-minute timer
- Work on your task until the alarm goes off (this means no social media!)
- Take a five-minute break
- Repeat. After four cycles, take a 15-30 minute break.
The academic excellence that we all strive for depends on our general well-being. As we head into the second half of this semester, prioritize your health, not just your grades.
