The winter holidays are over, and as much as you might want to get away from your family and back to your friends, the classes and work that await you are not necessarily things to be excited about. The second semester can signal the beginning of the end for graduating students or just another semester to others.
During this time, it’s easy to feel the burnout that comes along with the second semester and let important tasks fall by the wayside. We know how tempting this can be, and we’d like to share a few tips for staying motivated and avoiding second semester burnout.
Remember Your Purpose
One of the ways you can avoid second semester burnout is to think about what motivated you at the beginning of the year. You were likely excited to begin the new year—or perhaps a new phase of your educational journey—and you were more inclined to work hard and not be tempted to put important tasks on the back burner.
Now that you are back for another semester, remind yourself why you are at your particular school, why you chose your program of study, and what you need to do to have a successful second semester. When you remember why you chose to be where you are and the goals that you have for yourself, it will be easier to focus on what you are trying to accomplish.
Make It a Group Effort
After a few months of studying, it can seem like the semester is taking forever. You may grow tired of the work you have to do. And if you are in the middle years of your program, it can seem like most of the material is repetitive.
At that point, you may start to feel the urge to slack off and just hang out with the friends you made during the first semester (or previous years). However, the great part about studying is that you don’t have to do it alone. Ask those friends if they would like to study with you. Studying together can be a great way to maintain focus and keep each other on track.
Utilize Teachers and Professors
Just like making and strengthening your friendships, relationships with your teachers or professors also strengthen as you further your education. These relationships are also key to managing your second semester burnout.
Professors and teachers can help remind you why you decided to attend your school and why you chose the program that you are in. They can also help you regain focus and determine what you want from your education. They are some of the most valuable resources at your fingertips, so make the time to drop by their office and chat about the issues concerning you about your education.
When Avoiding Second Semester Burnout Seems Impossible
Sometimes it can seem impossible to motivate yourself. Perhaps the burnout you are experiencing during the second semester doesn’t come from school at all. You may find that your study habits are fine and that you know what you want to do, but at the end of the day, something still isn’t right.
When there really is no explanation for your burnout, it might be wise to seek help from a mental health professional. Speaking to a therapist is a great way to talk through what is making your second semester difficult. They can help you find the root of your problem and come up with ways to help manage your second semester burnout.
If you need some help getting motivated for a positive second semester, give us a call. One of the trained therapists at Keri Powell Therapy is available to help you develop a strategy for success.