Conquering the Mid-Semester Slump

We've all been there: semester starts with a flurry of enthusiasm, lectures are captivating, and that A+ seems within reach. Then, somewhere around the six-week mark motivation fades faster than a rugby scrum. The mid-semester slump hits, and suddenly that textbook feels heavier than a giant weta.

But hold on to your jandals – this slump is neither unique nor a sign of weakness! It's a normal hurdle faced by students around Aotearoa and even the WORLD! The key is understanding why it happens and what you can do to conquer it.

Understanding the Slump: A Battle Between Brain and Brawn

The mid-semester slump is a battle between your initial burst of excitement and the reality of academic demands. The novelty of new courses wears off, that initial energy wanes, and the true workload hits you like a haka. Your brain, overloaded with information, starts craving procrastination's sugary comfort food – that Netflix documentary marathon or that extra-long social media scroll.

But hold on to your jandals – this slump is neither unique nor a sign of weakness! It's a normal hurdle faced by students around Aotearoa and even the WORLD! The key is understanding why it happens and what you can do to conquer it.

• Textbook Terror: The once-fascinating book now resembles a cryptic ancient manuscript written in a language only known to over-caffeinated lecturers.

• The Procrastination Spiral: You become a master architect, meticulously building elaborate reasons to avoid that looming essay or upcoming presentation.

• The Lecture Lull: The comfy lecture hall chair suddenly feels like a gravity well, threatening to swallow you whole during that 9 am biochem lecture.

• The Emotional Rollercoaster: One minute you're motivated, the next you're questioning your entire life path (because surely there's a more exciting way to spend your days than memorizing case studies?).
  

Emerging From the Slump:

The good news is, you don't have to succumb to the slump. Here are some battle-tested techniques to get you back on track:

• Reconnect with your whānau (family): University friends are your chosen whānau. Study sessions with friends (with actual study breaks this time!) can provide a welcome distraction, a knowledge exchange, and much-needed moral support. Also don’t forget your actual whanau who always love to hear from you and they too can give you that extra burst of motivation.

• Embrace the Whenua (Land): A dose of nature is a powerful antidote to the slump. Take a walk, get outside, smell the fresh air. Even a stroll through the Botanic Gardens can work wonders for clearing your head and boosting those endorphins. Go for a dip in the moana (ocean) if that is more your style. It is super important for you to get away from your room and the library.

• Seek Guidance from the Tohunga (Experts): Don't be afraid to reach out to your lecturers, tutors, senior students and Ras. These tohunga can offer invaluable insights, point you towards helpful resources, and remind you that you're not alone in this struggle. Sometimes you also might need to reach out to people for non-academic reasons and that is A-OKAY!

• Manaakitanga for Yourself: Reward yourself for your hard work! Completed that assignment? Treat yourself to your fave kai treat meal or a trip to the movies, . Taking care of yourself and acknowledging your achievements is key to staying motivated throughout the semester.
  

Remember, the mid-semester slump is a normal part of the university experience. By acknowledging it, utilising these tips, and injecting a healthy dose awareness you'll be back to conquering those lectures and come exam time you will be ready to roar!

Coach Prajesh

As a certified Coach, Prajesh brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his clients. With a background of working in the tertiary sector for the last 18 years, Prajesh is well-equipped to provide guidance and support to those navigating the challenges of young adulthood. Prajesh has been a lecturer, he has lived and worked in the residential halls/colleges, had numerous roles that are student centric, and currently works with young people that are transitioning out of high school to the next phase of their life.

Prajesh understands that each individual's journey is unique, and takes a personalised approach to coaching. Whether you're struggling with career decisions, relationship issues, or simply feeling lost in life, Prajesh can help you identify your goals and develop a plan to achieve them. To connect with Coach Prajesh please email prajesh@thriveforlife.co