Tips for Staying Mindful During Midterms

As midterms approach, I have found myself feeling overwhelmed and completely unbalanced. It can be easy to fall into the whirlwind of strict deadlines and skip out on taking time for yourself.

In 2024 the American Institute of Stress shared“45% of American college students report experiencing “more than average stress”(Stress.org).

Making an effort to maintain balance during these chaotic times is essential to your success. I have made a list of some of my personal, realistic ways of making time for myself while not losing track of the work I have to complete.

Here are four practices that help me:

1. Break Down Your Days into Phases
Life can feel overwhelming when you have so much on your plate. The way I’ve been approaching this is by breaking my days into phases. On days that I have so many things going on, a long to-do list can feel daunting and unattainable. Instead, breaking it into chunks makes it feel more approachable and achievable. For example, phase one can be school tasks, phase two work or other activities, and phase three winding down. Some days I find myself with three phases, and other days I have five. Reframing days to be more manageable can make all the difference in these busy times.

2. Make Time for Your People
Locking yourself in your room or the library can feel like the answer to all your problems, and it may for a little bit, but looking at a computer all day can make you feel more like a robot and less like a human. Take time to see your friends. This can be planning a walk, a coffee run, or even just a quick call. Working this into your schedule can help you see life outside of midterms.

3. Prioritize sleep.

Pulling an all-nighter to study can feel so tempting when you’re stressed and feeling unprepared. The truth is, you need sleep to learn. In an article published on News in Health, it was reported that “if you haven’t slept, your ability to learn new things could drop by up to 40%” (check it out here). So, taking that time to sleep and process new information is incredibly beneficial and important to prioritize.

4. Clean Your Room!
The “depression room” we see on TikTok can easily become a reality. When life feels so busy, it can be easier to throw your things down as you’re on the go. Taking time every day to clean your space can really help set you up for success. Before bed, set your alarm for 15 minutes, put in some earbuds, and take time to clean and prepare for the next day. This practice has allowed me to take time for myself while also being productive.

Midterms can be tough and overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel those feelings. It’s also important to take time for you and balance your work with yourself. You may not get it right every day, but making a conscious effort to fit some self-care into busy days can make a huge difference.