Midterm Madness: A Survival Guide
Yes… it’s back! Midterm season is quickly approaching. The stress, the late nights of studying, the readings piling up, and the endless cups of coffee – sound familiar? It feels like the walls are closing in, right? Trust me, I’ve been there too. But, before we dive too deep into the world of flashcards and caffeine, let us take a deep breath together because we are going to get through this– and importantly, try to keep our cool in the process. Here is your guide to surviving this next cycle of midterm madness:
(Spoiler alert: It is not just endless cramming for exams the night before!)
1. Sleep- The real MVP:
I get it- pulling an all-nighter can seem like the only solution to cramming all of your lecture slides, and “getting seven to eight hours of sleep” is easier said than done. But hear me out: Sleep is the ultimate cheat code. No amount of caffeine can compete with actual rest! When your brain starts feeling foggy and you are running on fumes, that’s your cue to take a break. Even a quick 20-minute power nap can do wonders! You will wake up feeling refreshed, more focused, and way more productive than if you had just powered through the exhaustion. Sleep is like self-care for your brain, and trust me, your grades will thank you for it.
2. Time blocking, like a pro: This might sound downright bizarre, but I like to imagine my day as a series of mini-movies, and I am the director! I know this might seem extremely weird, but I think of each task as a different scene—studying for that tough exam, grabbing lunch, taking a break to clear your head—and I get to decide when and how long each scene plays out. It’s like directing your own film, where you control the pace, the flow, and, most importantly, the plot twists. And when you stick to your “schedule,” you’ll feel like you’re accomplishing things without letting the day slip away. Plus, every productive block gives you a sense of progress, like moving toward the big finale!
3. Get moving: I get it - “Who has the time to exercise with all this study material in front of me?” But listen, movement does not have to mean hitting the gym for an hour. Last week, I was completely stuck on a topic I was studying - no matter how hard I tried, the concept did not make sense. So, I decided to take a break and walk from MN to the RAWC and back. As I walked, the cool breeze and the change of scenery started to ease the tension in my head. The short walk gave me the mental reset I did not know I needed. After my midterms, I am considering hitting the track at the RAWC or even the spin bike classes. If a simple walk helped me so much, I can only imagine the energy a good workout with friends will give me.
In the meantime, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the beautiful fall weather at our Fall Colours and Salmon Migration Walk at Erindale Park on October 11 (10 am-12 pm) – co-presented with Hart House and The Riverwood Conservancy. You can now register for this event here. Join us to soak in the vibrant colours of the trees and learn about the salmon migrating up the Credit River!
Let’s get through this midterm madness with some great views and come out stronger on the other side!
