It’s now week six, and the freshness of fall quarter seems to have all but worn away. While you used to be able to attentively take notes during every class, you now have to strain to keep your eyes open. Homework often doesn’t get done until the night before. Mid-terms have sucked the life out of you, and now all you want to do is sleep and eat.
What’s happening? What is this strange and awful pox that has come upon you? It’s the mid-quarter blues—the slump that comes upon students halfway through the quarter when everything is no longer fresh and new, and the end is also not yet in sight. However, if you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to endure these blues with ease.

Go outside:

It’s still frequently nice outside, and the foliage is gorgeous. What better time to go outside and enjoy the crisp fall air and beautiful scenery? Taking a simple walk around campus or the surrounding neighborhoods will allow you to clear your mind and regain some sanity.

Sleep more:

Sleep is a critical part of living a healthy lifestyle, or at least being a semi-functional human being, so try not to sacrifice too much of it. It’s often better to study less and get a good night’s sleep rather than to fry your brain by studying all night and getting no rest. Not only can sleep help you avoid being tired, but it can also help improve your mood and focus to edge over the slump.

Exercise:

Don’t stay stuck at a desk or in bed all day. It’s often very tempting to study all day and then watch Netflix once you get home, but a little exercise will do wonders for both your mind and body. Not only can it improve your overall energy level, but the endorphins will give you an instant mood boost. Getting your heart pumping can also improve focus and help you sleep better. You can go to the Ritchie Center, go on a jog around campus, or at the very least, go on a walk.

Eat better:

Another critical factor of well-being is a nutritious diet. While having completely-healthy eating habits is a tall order for a college student, some simple steps can certainly be taken to improve what you eat.

Try to incorporate fruits and vegetables into each meal, and make sure not to forget protein. Don’t eat too much junk food, as this will make you feel sluggish and tired and will mess with your focus. Also take it easy on alcohol consumption, as trying to be productive with a hangover is never enjoyable.

When it comes to food, you get out what you put in, so give your body some quality fuel.

Have some fun:

Don’t let yourself get too caught up in homework and school activities. Be sure to make time each week to simply hang out with friends and have some fun. Whether this entails a night out on the town, shopping or simply sitting around watching a movie, don’t let life get so stressful that it’s no longer enjoyable. Do keep in mind, however, that having a good time doesn’t require drinking to excess.

Spend some time with yourself:

Sometimes we all need a little alone time. Whether it’s drawing, writing or catching up on social media, it’s healthy to take some time just to relax by yourself. The middle of the quarter is stressful and can be very taxing, so make sure to take some time to do things that you enjoy and that help you to relax—even if just for a little while every day.

Remember that the end will come—the quarter can’t last forever, and it will actually be over quite soon. Enjoy the time you have left with your friends this calendar year, and just remember that in five short weeks you’ll be homework free and home for the holidays.