Are feelings of fatigue and extreme procrastination creeping up on you already? Trying to get over that first-semester funk? While this “funk” is completely normal, it is important to take the necessary steps to avoid it getting out of your control before it is too late. Cover2Cover has compiled a list of key steps for you to stay focused and energized for the semester.

1. Prioritize Your Health

As the old saying goes: health is wealth! To be successful in any aspect of life, being healthy is essential. Although you may have a lot on your schedule, remember to eat, drink water, and rest (whether it be a power nap or a full night’s rest). Don’t be afraid to ask professors for extensions on assignments or miss out on that party or club meeting if everything gets too overwhelming. Your well-being is most important!

2. Make a Schedule

Whether it be a Google Calendar or an old-fashioned dry-erase calendar, building a schedule of your day-to-day activities is extremely beneficial in staying organized and prepared for your classes. Even a simple to-do list could help when it comes to getting tasks done on time. Schedules put every class, extracurricular activity, and assignment in one place for easy access during any time of the day. You can even color code your calendar and set daily reminders for assignments, meetings, and other responsibilities. Apps like Coursicle, Google Calendar, and Apple Calendar are perfect for organizing busy schedules. 

3. Cherish the Weekends

While it is important to rest and have fun on the weekends, it is also a great time to get caught up or get ahead on assignments. If you get all of your assignments done during the day, you’re free to party, hang out with friends, or do any other leisure activity during the evening. Getting work done on the weekends also takes a lot of the burden off of your schedule during the school week, minimizing procrastination and stress.

4. Find an Accountability Partner

Having a friend to encourage you to go to that early morning class that you dread every other day or to vent about your busy schedule to can make a world of a difference. Accountability partners work both ways, so you can bond over your mutual feelings of stress, fatigue, and anxiety about the school year, while also ensuring that you both stay on top of academic and social responsibilities.

5. Have Faith in Yourself

No matter how difficult classes may get, you have to believe in yourself. Being confident in your abilities can get you through some very tough times. Morning affirmations are a great way to stay confident and hopeful for the future. Simply start by telling yourself, “I am going to be productive today” and you’ll start to feel the difference. 

Juggling all of your classes, extracurriculars, and other priorities can cause fatigue and stress. But with these five simple tips, hopefully, your semester will breeze by with ease.