The second half of any semester is infamously brutal. The sun sets sooner and final term assignments and social commitments pile up, putting some students at high risk of burnout. During this stressful period, it is important for students to be able to identify any personal struggles in order to take back control of their lives. To achieve a solid finish to the semester, adapting to small habit changes along the way can work wonders for productivity and mental health.

The beginning of the semester often arrives with more free time. Classes and social organizations are just starting, schoolwork seems manageable and there is more time for personal activities and responsibilities, such as hanging out with friends or working. As workloads increase and exams begin to take place, many students' academic drive and mental health begin to slide down a slippery slope if not managed. One of the biggest factors in a student's mental health decline is insufficient sleep. Approximately 60% of college students experience poor sleep quality based on the number of hours they receive, with 7.7% meeting the criteria for an insomnia disorder. Lack of sleep impairs the brain's ability to concentrate and regulate emotions, directly impacting academic performance. Without total concentration, it becomes difficult to grasp topics in class and integrate understanding fully. By the time exams roll around, students may find they did not retain much due to their sleep schedules. Lack of sleep combined with a consistent flow of assignments exacerbates the potential for academic burnout, which can be detrimental to experience near the end of the semester. Additionally, seasonal changes can also add to the mental effects of burnout with shorter days and limited outdoor activity due to weather, leading to decreased motivation. External factors, such as social responsibilities, family or work can add layers to existing stress, creating additional challenges.

With such a short time for recovery between midterms and finals, it can seem near impossible to get back on track and finish the semester as originally intended. To lock in, refocusing becomes essential to one's academic success and mental health. Slipping grades is a vicious cycle of performance. Like the snowfall effect, if damaging habits continue to develop throughout the semester, they will grow and become more challenging to overcome. This is why it is important to start reconstructing them as soon as possible, re-engaging motivation and enthusiasm towards school until the end of term. It is possible to break the cycle!

Refocusing is rooted in understanding underlying issues that personally affect motivation and performance. As it is a personal process, not everyone will see productive results from every method, but it is about finding what works best for them and sticking to it. Although, one thing that will work for every individual is consistency. Consistency is the key to success when getting back on track. Building consistent habits into one's routine and sticking to them are the most effective ways to see change.

Developing a clear plan concentrated on one's area of refocusing is a wonderful start; a weekly or daily schedule is a strong example of this. With predetermined times for personal responsibilities, this method emphasizes time management as a powerful tool to focus on priorities and eliminate procrastination. Alongside time management during the day, try getting sufficient sleep and nutrition before bed. Whether a night owl or early bird, getting at least 8 hours of sleep per night is essential. During the day, carve out time to incorporate active rest, such as short breaks for personal mindfulness during work periods. In addition to allowing relaxation for the body to balance hard work, self-care goes beyond that by caring for the mind. Set a few hours aside weekly to engage in activities that produce serotonin and reduce anxiety. Though things may be crazy, spend time with friends and loved ones to lean on them as a support system, they could secretly need one too and provide encouragement and accountability. Celebrate big and small wins, because any work towards a goal is worth celebrating! Finally, setbacks should be redefined as learning opportunities instead of failures to remain positive.

Refocusing is not easy, but it is not impossible! With trial, error, understanding and effort, the right routine will be found and balance will be rediscovered. There are many other ways to refocus that are not listed, but the basics are always a good place to start. Start refocusing today for a better tomorrow!

Written by Ava Whelan, Photography: Kenley Becker, Social Media: Ellianah Murcia, Styling: Sheyla Hidalgo

Beating the Mid Semester Dump