Are You Stuck in a Rut? How to Break Out of That Late Semester Slump

By Amelia Woolard

After enjoying the first half of your first semester back in college – or as a new, untainted freshman – things are starting to get real. For the first time in months, all of your classes seem to require extreme focus, your extracurriculars have passed the non-committal phase, and overall, those rose-colored glasses are starting to get a little dark and cloudy.

But, don’t worry, experiencing a college slump is totally normal – and to be expected, even! Although it’s normal, however, it can still be pretty difficult to weather the metaphorical storm. What’s an overworked college student to do when the going gets even tougher? First, take a deep breath – you’ve got this! Next, take a look at uCribs’ list of suggestions for successfully breaking free of your late semester slump.

Take time for yourself.

It’s easy to get caught up in the constant workflow associated with higher level learning. Between a full course load, resume-boosting clubs, part-time jobs, maintaining personal relationships, remembering to call your family every so often, hitting the gym regularly… well, it’s easy to see where even the most type-A college student could get seriously overwhelmed.

So, set aside some time for yourself on a regular basis. Find what soothes your soul after a long day, and well, just start doing it—to the best of your ability and within reason, of course! Your personal brand of self-care will likely vary from others, and that’s perfectly fine. Whether your idea of quality rest and relaxation is a bubble bath with a good book, a no-holds-barred kickboxing session, or an evening spent catching up with Mom, you may be surprised by your instant mood improvement.

Be mindful of negative self-talk.

When stressed or overwhelmed, it’s all too easy to take it out on the reflection you see in the mirror. As we continue to expand our knowledge surrounding mental health, we have deduced that negative thoughts often breed negative actions. And did you know an estimated 70 percent of mental thoughts are negative? So, apparently the odds are in no one’s favor, and all in all, this data tells us that we’ve got a lot of work to do when it comes to repurposing these thoughts into positivity and productiveness.

Though it may seem like a lofty goal, you can rewire your brain to better manage negative thoughts – or, at the very least, get a firm grip on them before they consume your life. One of our favorite mind hacks is to ask yourself if the thought you’re experiencing is “useful.” For example, does convincing yourself that you’re going to fail the test make you study harder? If not, move along to a happier, more positive thought in your head. Your brain and body will thank you in the long-run for practicing mindfulness and presentism.

Try something new.

Sometimes a slump is merely the byproduct of too much “been there, done that.” Breaking out of your usual schedule and expanding your horizons can sometimes be all you need to feel whole again. You have to admit that your same old Friday night pizza date with your roommate is getting a little old, right? Hey, variety is the spice of life, so maybe it’s time to live a little!

You’re in college and most likely in a new city, so take advantage of it. Round up a few friends or travel solo to some place you’ve never been before— and don’t shy away from experiences that scare you a little bit. Doing something outside of your comfort zone can sometimes provide the push you need to remember your strengths and abilities, and once you’ve successfully extended yourself past your limits and lived to tell the tale, you’re sure to experience a confidence boost like no other. What more could you ask for during this unforgiving mess of a late semester slump? Recharge those mental batteries, like a boss!

Don’t compare yourself to others.

Thanks to social media, it’s now easier than ever to spy on others’ seemingly perfect lives while feeling crummy about our own. This especially rings true when these “friends” are graduating college and accepting awesome jobs, entering into new, exciting relationships, or taking luxurious vacations to islands whose names we cannot pronounce. But constantly comparing ourselves to others is nothing more than a one-way ticket to misery and certainly no way to pull yourself out of a late semester slump.

Beat the repetitious cycle by realizing that the only person you should compare yourself to is – drumroll, please – you! The truth is that social media and other surface-level updates from supposed friends is nothing more than an artificial veil over people’s real lives. Think about it: everyone feels stressed out, anxious, or sad at times, but those types of emotions almost never make it on the ‘Gram. So, stop worrying about how others appear to be doing, because odds are, they are likely in the same place as you in one way or another. Also, consider taking a social media break here and there to give your racing brain a rest, too.

Reach out for professional help when you need it.

Unfortunately, there are times when a late semester slump seems more than just a passing feeling. Thankfully, today’s culture is more in-tune with mental health than ever before, and there are endless resources available for people struggling with anxiety, depression, and related mental health conditions. If your attempts to snap yourself out of a slump are proving fruitless, you may want to consider reaching out for professional help to get you through this rough patch.

The good news is that most college campuses employ counselors who can perform psychological evaluations or at the very least, help ease some of the pressures of daily life through the teaching of various coping mechanisms. Finding the right mental health professional to help you work through issues can be pretty life-changing, but nonetheless, challenging—but don’t be discouraged! The right fit is out there. Everyone can benefit from a little bit of therapy, and you should feel encouraged in knowing that there are people out there who can help you “feel like yourself” again.

Most of the time, college is a whirlwind of fun, but if things have felt a bit lackluster lately, never fear. Despite how you may feel about it, enduring a late semester slump is totally normal and affects even the most ambitious of college students. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or just plain out-of-sorts, you should find comfort in the options available to students like you. By keeping in mind these tips in mind and never hesitating to reach out for professional help when needed, you’ll be able to conquer your dreaded slump and get back to the college grind before you know it!

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