Surviving the 4th Quarter Crisis

Now that spring break is over and we are back to reality, we are all struggling to adjust. Take these tips to survive the "4th Quarter Crisis", get motivated, and finish the year off strong! After all, hot girls get good grades.

Create Balance

Don’t Overbook Yourself

“Sometimes its ok to say no! Sometimes you need to stay in or say no to plans if you really need a break or want some extra time to do work. Prioritize and take care of yourself, you won’t hurt anyone’s feelings.” – A Zeta

“My tip for balancing life is not to overbook yourself of book things back to back if possible” – A Zeta

Prioritize & Put the Rest Aside

"The best way to balance your life during stressful times is to make a priority list and understand some things need to be put on the back burner for now. There's only so many hours in a day." - A Zeta

Don’t Forget your Support System

"Lastly, never letting my relationship falter, even with a busy schedule, is so important. Maintaining friendships and talking to my mom are the best things for my own wellbeing." - A Zeta

Get Your Life Together

Make a List

"I always made to do lists on the post it app on my computer, but now that second semester hit and I am beyond busy, something is extra satsifying abut writing in my cute notebook and crossing stuff off. It isn't jsut about hw, I write down everything I need to do for the day like laundry, work out, or meal prep." - A Zeta

“I love lists, so to get my life and thoughts together I write everything down and sort thought things that way” – A Zeta

Set a Routine

“To get out of my post spring break slump, I have been prioritizing my routine! Waking up early, getting a walk or workout in, and actually going to my classes makes me feel so productive. I have also been getting lots of vanilla lattes from k-brew to keep me going;)” – a zeta

Make Planning Fun

“Buying a cute planner that makes you excited to organize and make plans. My favorite is the Lily Pulitzer ones.” – a zeta

Self-care Nights

 “A tip I use for getting my life together is having weekly self-care nights. It gives me time to focus on myself and not on school.” – A Zeta

Healthy Diet and Exercise

“The last stretch of the semester is hard. It feels dragged out and never ending. However, I’ve developed a new helpful tip over the years. For one, prioritizing my own health and wellbeing over a grade or assignment has been so helpful for me. I always make time for a healthy diet and exercise each day to ensure I am not allowing school to take over my life” – A Zeta

“Going to the gym every day makes me feel so productive when I’m in a slump! Even just 20 minutes on the treadmill is a good distraction from schoolwork and stress.” – A Zeta

Motivation

Have Something To Look Forward To

“The way I stay motivated is by making time for things I enjoy every week so I always have something to look forward to” – a zeta

“Every week I try and have something, or a few things, to really look forward to. Whether it’s a dinner or movie night with my friends on the weekend, date party, or even a trip planned to go and visit someone! Having something look forward helps me get through the week because I know everything I complete gets me one step closer.” – a zeta

Sip & Study

“Ways I stay motivated when I need to get work done is treating myself with a fun drink. Perfect distraction to sip on something while I study” – a zeta

“Nothing like getting my favorite Starbucks drink before I go and study. I don’t even know how to explain but something about having a drink I don’t get all the time is such a treat that motivates me to study.” – a zeta

Study Spots

Study Center Spaces

• Hodges Library Active Learning Space: Walking desks and balance chairs on the second floor

• Vols Study Center in Strong 102: Free snacks, beverages, printing, and tutors when you need it

Outdoor spots

• Patio of the Zastle

• Communications building deck

• Top of the Hill at Ayers Hall

• HSS Lawn

Coffee Spots

• Starbucks

• Pete’s Coffee

• Just Love

• Golden Roast

• K-Brew

• Coffee and Chocolate (Downtown)

Study Tips

Set Small, Realistic Goals

“Set small goals and take breaks! It’s so easy to burn out early on before you even start exams if you do not take the time to prioritize your mental load!” – A Zeta

Get out of your bed

“My best study tip is to not study in your room. Many studies have shown that your environment has a huge impact on your focus!” – A Zeta

“I find being outside rather than inside helps when studying to keep a more positive mindset since you see the beautiful nature all around you and are not locked in a room starring at a screen.” – A Zeta

Clean Space, Clear Mind

“I always start with making sure my space is clean before I study, the mess can totally become a form of distraction!” – A Zeta

Get the Hardest thing out of the way!

“Do the assignments that will take the longest (or the ones that I don’t want to do) first!” – A Zeta

You Deserve Breaks

“As well, while studying or doing homework, taking short 10-20 minute breaks to stretch it out, walk outside or play with my dog helps me to reset for the work I am about to do.” – A Zeta