Natalia Velásquez, M.S., Outreach Coordinator | Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
Midterms can be a stressful (and sometimes relieving) time of the year, as they may remind us of the various academic tasks we still need to accomplish in the short-term, while also providing us with semester breaks to look forward to in the long-term. Many students around this time might find themselves feeling burned out by countless obligations and not knowing how to thrive at a productive, as well as emotionally healthy, pace for the rest of the semester.
Although academics are important, many times it can be easy to lose sight of how important it is to maintain your psychological health while also pursuing your goals. Therefore, it can really be helpful to create a workable schedule that includes specific time periods for studying and taking care of yourself, while also remaining physically and emotionally flexible when inevitable deviations occur.
Self-compassion is essential during times of overwhelming stress; thus, I encourage you to be kind to yourself and check in with what you may want/need in the present moment. You just might be pleasantly surprised with how helpful listening and caring for yourself can be during midterms!
A helpful and healthy study schedule includes academic responsibilities, study breaks, socialization, and self-care. An example of a midterm “thrival” guide may include:
Monday
- Wake up: 8am
- Get ready for class: 8am-9am
- Class: 9am-12pm
- Lunch: 12pm-1pm
- Homework/Projects: 1pm-3:15pm
- 15-minute break after the first hour (Try a mindful breathing exercise like this) 2pm-2:15pm)
- Socialization: 30-minute video chat to a family/friend (3:15pm-3:45pm)
- Study for Midterms: 3:45pm-6pm
- 15-minute break after the first hour (Eat a snack; 4:45pm-5pm)
- Self-Care:
- Exercise: 6pm-7pm
- Dinner: 7pm-8pm
- Shower: 8pm-9pm
- Watch TV/Read a Book/Talk to a Roommate: 9pm-11pm
- Sleep: 11pm-8am
Please remember, this is a workable schedule, so be easy on yourself! Some days will come easier than others, as some days may have more distractions, detours, anxiety, etc., and that’s okay! Take each day one step at a time, check off progress, and remember to care for yourself!
If you find yourself in need of additional guidance during this stressful time, please reach out for help! Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is your student counseling center and we are here for you! CAPS provide a variety of mental health and wellness services to assist you and other students in successfully reaching personal, academic, and career goals. Please take a moment to visit our website: https://www.fit.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services/ to learn more information on how to request services and find resources for psychological health and well-being. Be the healthiest Florida Tech Panther you can be!