How to avoid running out of steam early on in a semester: written by Maryam Shaker-Azab

Summer break has come and gone and now it is time to get those thinking gears turning. Your motivation is at it’s peak and you def have this semester in the bag! Hold on partner! It is best to go slow and steady instead of all out to avoid burning out. Hey! My name is Maryam Shaker-Azab, I am in my 3A term of Kinesiology, this is also my third term being a Library Ambassador, and now I bring you 4 ways to avoid burning out!

Stick to a Schedule

Look over all your syllabi and right down dates where you may have exams or assignments due. Then schedule in time for self-care and fun throughout the week.  It may be tempting to put in a few extra hours studying and sacrifice some fun time, but it super important to have time to decompress so you can push through. There are workshops that the Student Success Office offers that teach you important time management strategies, you can sign up for them on Leads!

Work your way up

Summer break has given you the chance to replenish those brain juices. But before you sit down for an intense 6-hour study session, think of how sustainable it is to study for such a long time, so early on in the school year. Try to build momentum by starting with 30 minutes to 1-hour study sessions and work your way up! Also, if you are beginning an assignment and you need help with research, you can visit one of the subject librarians who are super knowledge about the topic you maybe researching! 

Break Time

Take advantage of the free time you may have during the beginning of the term and catch up with friends on campus who you might have not seen all summer or explore the city! Who know? Maybe you will stumble upon an awesome café shop. When it is time for break time between your intense study session, put down the phone and go a for short walk instead! Near exam time, the library has therapy dogs that come in for students to decompress.

Get yo’ Fitness On!

A way to cope and avoid burn out to exercise. It can be anything you enjoy like taking a walk or pumping iron! Setting time aside to exercise can help you take your mind off your busy schedule and decompress. Taking care of yourself with help you push through and preserve during difficult, and stressful times!

-Maryam