Quick tips for avoiding the mid-semester slump from an occupational therapist

That fresh-new-notebook feeling has faded, and last month’s best intentions may already seem like a distant memory. Maybe you’re back to five alarm snoozes instead of one. Maybe your eyes keep drifting toward your phone between homework problems. Maybe assignment deadlines are suddenly growing teeth and legs. (Why are they so fast, and when did they get so loud?)

Here’s the good news: it’s not too late. You can still keep it together. As demands rise and fall, it’s natural for energy and focus to dip and rebound. These five quick tips can help you steady your rhythm and stay on track.

1. Water what waters you. Use the energy you’re not spending on academics wisely. Pour it into things that ground you or light you up: connection, rest, fun. Making space for these activities isn’t “wasted time.” It restores you and actually improves productivity and performance in the long run.
2. Find your study sweet spots. Scout out your best desk, table, or tucked-away nook. When you repeatedly work in a space you associate with focus, it becomes easier to settle in and concentrate. Environmen matters more than we often realize.
3. Work in cycles. Leverage short bursts of deep focus with quick, refreshing breaks. The Pomodoro Technique, for example, sets a 25-minute work interval followed by a five-minute break. You can also follow your own rhythm and tailor it to the task at hand. The key is to alternate intensity and rest to keep your mind sharp and energy sustainable.
4. Build repeating blocks into your week. Do you always have time on Tuesdays from 3:00-5:00 pm to prep for lab? Are Wednesday mornings perfect for project work? Turn those windows into standing appointments with yourself. When you lean into repeating blocks, they become part of your weekly rhythm, and harder to skip.
5. Focus on getting started. Starting is often the hardest part. Instead of tackling the whole assignment in your head, cue yourself up to take the smallest first step. Open the document, outline one section, or write one sentence. Momentum builds quickly once you’re in motion.

If you need more personalized strategies, Occupational Therapy (OT) is available to support your performance, balance, and well-being. OT can help you strengthen habits and routines, manage stress, and approach academics with strategies that actually work for you.

You can access OT through:

• Groups and workshops, in practical sessions focused on skills like time management, study strategies, or sleep; or,
• One-to-on sessions, with individualized support tailored to your goals and challenges.

To learn more about OT services or for a single problem-solving session, eligible* students and learners can schedule an OT consultation on the MyHealth portal. If you don’t see any appointments available, or you’re hoping for continued individual care, please contact us at 410-516-3311 to learn more about accessing services. You can also sign up for a drop-in workshop at any time.

Whether you’re looking to stay on track, rebuild momentum, or prevent burnout, OT is here to help you thrive throughout the semester.

 *Students enrolled in degree-seeking programs within at least one in-person class on the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. campuses, as well as postdoctoral fellows and house staff, are eligible for OT through Mental Health Services. Students enrolled in degree programs that are exclusively online may access drop-in groups and workshops.