Mastering midterms: Essential strategies to prevent burnout this midterm season

As midterm exams approach, students often find themselves navigating a whirlwind of assignments, projects, and exams. Juggling multiple subjects, looming deadlines, and the pressure to excel in classes can quickly become overwhelming. But with the right tools, students can learn to manage their stress and be successful.

By creating a balanced routine that prioritizes productivity and self-care, students can navigate midterms with confidence and ease. The first step to take in order to create a good study routine is to find your learning style.

Counselor at the Center for Behavioral Health and Accessibility Torie Grogan said that study methods vary for every student, and in order to manage their schoolwork, they need to find out what method works for them.

“We all learn in our own way, and trying to give yourself even permission to fail with a study method to explore it is essential to figure it out. It’s about honoring your own individual experience of how you learn best, and having a variety of options can help us not feel so stuck,” Grogan said.

Another big way to help prevent burnout is to ask for help. Grogan said that whether you are feeling overwhelmed with classes or with life itself, there are a ton of resources here on campus that students can utilize.

“We have the Oasis app that has 24/7 completely confidential support counseling. We also would love to have students join us at our wellness forum, Thursdays at 3:30. And of course, here in Behavioral Health and Accessibility, students can call and request to have a screening for any type of group or individual counseling services, and the awesome Counselor Clinic over in Scully room 318 that offers confidential counseling to students as well,” Grogan said.

In case of emergency, students can contact DPS, and text or call 988 for statewide access to crisis counseling.

While effective study techniques can alleviate some student stress, there are plenty of other methods to unwind and relax. Taking care of your mind and body, and making yourself a priority is important in preventing burnout.

Taking care of yourself is the best way to manage stress. Making sure you are getting enough rest, and eating foods that fuel your body. Pure Health Research says that the best foods to boost memory include fatty fish, seeds and nuts, dark chocolate, and vegetables with vitamin K, like broccoli. Grogan said that the human body needs fuel from healthy foods to function.

“We need to adequately fuel our bodies for our mental functioning, our physical functioning, and our good mood regulation, for all those chemicals to be in balance. In order to have good concentration, memory, recall of information, we want our bodies to be well fueled with nutritionally good, nutrient dense options,” Grogan said.

Another way to keep your body and mind healthy is movement. Grogan said that movement is the other piece, along with good nutrition, to keep your body and mind balanced.

One way is to blast your favorite music and dance; Get your blood flowing. Better Health says that dancing is a great way to improve your psychological well-being and boost self-esteem.

The best way to destress is to be active in your community. Prioritize your classwork, but also prioritize yourself and your relationships. Maintaining good relationships and spending time with people who understand your stress is a good way to relax.

As midterm exams approach, it’s essential to make a balance between effective studying and taking care of yourself. Taking breaks, staying active, and prioritizing your well-being are just as crucial as hitting the books. With the right mindset and tools, you can conquer midterms and emerge stronger and more resilient.