It’s still September?! - Mid-semester Burnout & How to NOT Fail Your Classes

I can’t believe it’s only the middle of the semester, still- it feels like it should be winter break already, then I look at my calendar between assignments and groan every time I realize Fall technically only started three days ago. So yeah, I’m a bit burnt out already, and It’s not even Halloween. What can I even do? 

When you’re deep in the mid-semester grind, sometimes the only option is to keep inching forward. Pushing through burnout doesn’t mean ignoring how you feel—it means working smarter, not harder. Break assignments into bite-sized steps, set timers so you don’t overwork in one sitting, and give yourself permission to aim for “done” instead of “perfect”- C’s get degrees, girl- so don’t stress it. Even the smallest progress counts, and momentum builds faster than you’d think.

Burnout happens to everyone, and it doesn’t mean you’re weak or lazy—it just means you’ve been carrying too much for too long. I’ll admit, when I’m burnt out, the first things I neglect are my personal time and hobbies. I stop doing the little things that make me feel like me—reading, gaming, creative projects—and that only makes burnout worse. The truth is, leaning into the things you enjoy is one of the best ways to avoid burnout in the first place, or at least help pull yourself back from it.

So if you’re feeling the mid-semester slump, know you’re not alone. Burnout might feel like crawling over hot coals, but every step forward is still progress. Be kind to yourself, make space for joy where you can, and remember: you don’t have to sprint to the finish line—you just have to keep moving. Winter break will come, and when it does, you’ll be glad you took care of yourself along the way.

[Author’s note- Gee, I wonder why I haven’t been posting lately… yup, school is hitting me with metaphorical hammers of burnout. Oh well! Here is a post for you lovelies!]