DIY GRADUATION SHADOWBOX

Let me first off by saying that I am super late on writing this blog post for you all. Both Titi and I had our undergraduate graduation caps decorated and one of the things that I really wanted to do was create a DIY graduation shadowbox for the both of us. About a year ago, I experimented and created my shadowbox first. I ended up giving it to my parents to keep, and now I’m going to show you how I created Titi’s shadowbox. Hopefully we’ll also be able to give it to his parents back in South Africa for them to keep one day.

Supplies:

• Shadowbox (I used the 16 in x 20 in)
• Sewing pins (as many as you need to pin all of your items down)
• Graduation gear (cap, sash, tassel, diploma, pamphlet)
• Polaroid style pictures (I got mine from FoxPrint)
• Tape

Directions

1. Open up your shadowbox and arrange your items as you like. Have fun with this step and arrange your items exactly how you like.
2. Pin all of your items down to the base of the shadowbox. The one that I used had a fabric backing so this part was easy. Try to pin as much as you can to keep everything in place.
3. Tape your photos down
4. Place the glass top over the fabric base and close it shut. Ta-da! You’re done!

Tips & Advice  

• The shadowbox comes with a few push pins but you’re going to need more than that. I wish I would’ve thought about this when I made my first shadowbox. I only used the ones that it came with and it was difficult to get everything to lay down flat.  
• It’s easier to fit your graduation gown into the shadowbox if you fold it up first to fit the fabric base. Then you can pin it down, so it doesn’t move out of place.
• I taped the photos down to the graduation gown. They weren’t super sturdy or anything but once you put the glass top on, then the photos don’t move around.

For our shadowboxes, I included our caps, tassels, photos that I printed from FoxPrints, and our graduation pamphlets. These came out so much better than I could’ve imagined! I think a shadowbox is a great way to encapsulate your memories from graduation while also giving you some great wall décor to hang up in your home. Graduation is just one of those times in your life that you want to remember and cherish.

Have you ever thought about making a DIY graduation shadowbox before? If so, what did you include in yours?

The post How to Make a DIY Graduation Shadowbox appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Mistake #1: Procrastinating until the last minute

If you’re the student that waits until the night before an exam to finally study, then you’re making one of the number 1  study mistakes that college students make worldwide! Procrastination is the thief of joy, productivity, and sleep. I promise you’re going to be better off if you put your phone away and start studying immediately.

Instead of waiting the night before to study or to complete a big project, break down your work into smaller bite sizes pieces that are easier to handle. For an example if you have a big exam coming up in a few weeks, study a little bit of the material every day after class for 30 minutes to an hour a day. This way you can stay focus long enough to learn the material and your brain gets the chance to review the material every day, which is great for long term memory.

Mistake #2: Studying with people who distract you

You cannot study with people who are going to distract you the entire time…unless you don’t plan on getting any work done. When putting together a study group, you want to make sure that the people in the group are going to be actively studying and helping one another.

This is the time to get help on a topic that you’re having difficulty in and formulate practice questions that can help you remember the material. I personality would limit your study group to three or four people. Any more than that can cause an imbalance and make for more of a hangout scene versus a study scene. 

Mistake #3: Not learning how you study best

A lot of college students will simply re-read the class notes over and over again, hoping that something will stick in their brains. Let me tell you that re-reading your notes is passive learning and it’s not the most effective way to learn for an exam. This is why it is so important for you to learn how you study best and avoid this common study mistake. 

Everyone is so different in terms of how our brains operate and store information. Some people have to watch Youtube videos while others have to do things for themselves. So what does that mean for you as a college student looking to improve their studying? You have to try different study techniques out and see what works for you. I really enjoy making my own exams and creating color-coded study guides, which has helped me throughout pharmacy school.

Mistake #4: Studying in chronological order instead of in priority order

Just because your psychology exam comes before your organic chemistry exam, doesn’t mean that you have to study for each exam in that order. I’ve noticed that a lot of students study in the order that their exams are in, which is a big mistake! When you have a bunch of exams at the same (like midterms or finals), you want to spend the most time studying in the classes that are more difficult for you, not in the ones that are easy. This is where you have to learn how to prioritize your study and manage your time appropriately.

Mistake #5: Not preparing for the unexpected

Every time there’s a bunch of exams coming up at once (yep, I’m talking about midterms and finals), there’s always something that goes wrong and that is unexpected. Either you get a horrible cold or spill coffee all over your laptop. Something is bound to happen during this time period because you’re already stressed out and on edge. Make sure to do your best to prepare for the unexpected. Back up your laptop to online source or external hard drive (this is the one that I swear by!) to make sure you don’t lose all of your notes for the entire semester. It’s happened before and it definitely sucks!

Mistake #6: Refusing to ask for help before it’s too late

Don’t be the student that rushes to their professor’s office begging for a curve after you failed the class. Instead of waiting until it’s too late (aka after you failed the class), ask your professor for help whenever you’re not understanding throughout the semester. Your professors are here to help, and they want you to exceed in their class.

I promise, they aren’t scary once you get to chatting with them. By asking questions to your teacher, it’ll help you learn and understand the material faster than you could on your own. And don’t forget about your TAs (or teacher assistants)! They are also a great resource to use if your teacher is hard to reach or has weird office hours.

Mistake #7: Not quizzing themselves on the material 

If you’re aren’t quizzing yourself in a similar fashion as your exam, then you’re missing out on an easy and simple study hack. For an example if you know you have to write an essay or draw out diagrams for your exam, then re-reading your class notes isn’t really going to help you prepare for your exam. Instead practice answering some essay questions or practice drawing out the different diagrams from memory.

By practicing and studying in this way, you’re going to reinforce the material that you studied and prepare yourself for the type of exam you’ll be taking. This little tip will also identify where you have gaps in your memory, which makes it really easy to go back and study the areas where you need the most help in. Another great way for you to quiz yourself is by using the website and app called Quizlet. You can easily make your own quizzes and flashcards online to help you study.

Mistake #8: Basing your preparation on a number

You’ve probably heard students say that they need to get X percent to pass the class or to maintain a certain grade level. Honestly assigning a number to your success can actually make you feel more stressed out and disheveled than before. Because when you don’t reach that specific number, you feel depressed and anxious about the results, when it’s probably not that big of a deal.

Now I’m not saying to not worry about your grades and test scores, but just remember that that’s not everything. You have homework assignments, presentations, and essays that can also be a part of your overall grade. Instead of worrying about achieving a certain grade score, focus more on understanding the material and doing your best on every assignment or exam that counts. At the end of the day, you’ll feel more relaxed if you just study every single day and do the best that you can.

Mistake #9: Not having a game plan!

It’s so easy to just open up your textbook or notes and start readying them word for word. But it’s not going to be as helpful as you may think. You have to go into your study session with a game plan and an active mindset. Before you sit down to study, write out your game plan and figure out what you’re going to study, how you’re going to study the material, and the time commitment you’re going to need to complete the plan. Once you know what you’re aiming for, it’s going to be a lot easier to sit down and actually have a productive study session.

Mistake #10: Forgetting to take a breather

When you’re in college, it’s super easy to just go, go, go and burn yourself out with all of the stress that comes with being a college student. But when it comes time for midterms and final exams, you have to learn how to manage your time appropriately and allow yourself a break to do something that you enjoy. It can be as simple as watching your favorite show on Netflix to going on an adventure in your city plus lots of sleep! You’re going to do so much better on your projects and exams when you’re feeling relaxed.

What is one thing that you struggle with when it comes to studying?

The post 10 Common Study Mistakes and How to Fix Them appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Send out the virtual graduation link to friends and family members

One of the easiest ways to celebrate graduation in quarantine is to send your friends and family the link to your virtual graduation! You may not be walking in person, but the dean and president of your college will still recognize you in front of your loved ones for your great achievement. I promise it may not seem like a lot, but your family will definitely appreciate it if they are far away.

Bring the restaurant home

You might not be able to head out to your favorite restaurant for dine-in, but you can definitely get take out to enjoy your favorite meal at home. Order for pick up or use a food delivery app like DoorDash (it’s my fav for food!) to have your meal delivered. Make in even more special by eating your dinner on a fancy dish and your favorite drink! Bonus points if you get a cake made for the occasion!

Host a Zoom Happy Hour Party

Naturally, humans are social creatures and we enjoy human connections, even if it’s only virtual right now. For an at home graduation celebration, set up and host a Zoom Happy Hour Party. It’s super simple to do and everyone can make their favorite drink (with or without alcohol) while jamming to some tunes or just chatting together.

Ask your family to send you a care package

Who doesn’t love a surprise gift from friends and family? Spice up your graduation month by asking the people in your life to create a surprise care package for you! It could be as simple as a candle and a card to help you relax or something more personal that speaks to you as a person.

Have a mini party with the people that you live with

Do you currently live at home with your family or in an apartment with a group of friends? Have an actual party with the people that you currently live with. Choose a color theme, buy (or DIY) a graduation cake, cupcakes, and a few other of favorite treats and have some fun! Spice it up some more by ordering some fun board games or outside games that the whole squad can enjoy. Celebrating your graduation doesn’t have to be a major event to have a good time and to make an amazing memory.

Support a local business and get a cake made

Honestly, there’s nothing better than a well-made cake or cupcakes. I’m a big sucker for sweets, especially for a celebration or an event. If you’re like me, then definitely support a local business in your area and have a cake made for your graduation. You can easily go all out and get a custom one made or just get a simple one that is tasty and delicious.

Plan a fun vacation

If you’re stumped on how you want to celebrate graduation in quarantine, take a few hours to plan a future vacation either with your loved ones, friends, or even solo. While you may not be able to fly right now, it’s a perfect time to plan for the future and even to go ahead and book things. A lot of hotels, cruise ships, and flights are being more lenient on their cancellation policies plus prices have decreased due to the pandemic. Trust me after 4 years of school, you definitely deserve a vacation!

If you’re graduating this year, how are you celebrating the big day?

You may also enjoy: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Graduation, How to Manage Your Credit After Graduation, and What to Wear to Graduation

The post 7 Ideas to Celebrate Graduation in Quarantine appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Tip #1: Revisit course material

One of the best study tips for college is to revisit all of your course materials and revisit all of your notes for the semester! Depending on if your final is cumulative or not will ultimately decide on how much you need to study for your final exams. I like to organize my study notes on topics or sections to make a large task (such as studying material for an entire semester) more reasonable and tasteful. Keep an eye for any repeated notes or any highlight sections that seem important because if it looks important, it’ll probably be on your final exam!  

Tip #2: Plan ahead of finals week

Planning ahead is an essential (and critical) part of preparing for your final exams! I personally like to write down my exams, assignments, and final tests in my agenda using the monthly view calendar. This way I can see ahead of time when my assignments are due and prepare for any upcoming exams. The worst thing that can happen to you in college is completely forgetting about an exam and going to class completely unaware about it (it’s happened I promise!).

Tip #3: Prioritize your studying based on difficulty level

Finals week is literally Hell Week for college students because you get a ton of exams and projects all due back to back. Which is why it’s so important to prioritize your studying based on the difficulty levels of each class. The good thing about taking a variety of classes in college is that some classes are going to come naturally to you while others are going to require a little more effort on your part. Whatever that may be for you is where you start to figure out how to prioritize your studying.

My favorite way to prioritize my studying is to set time blocks for each class, ranking them from the hardest to the easiest, throughout the weeks leading up to the dreaded finals week. By ranking your classes and setting up time blocks, it gives you a written guide of where you need to focus the majority of your time studying and how much. If you don’t already own a planner, then you definitely need to get one ASAP. The one that I really enjoy using when I was in college (I graduate in May!) is the Erin Condren Life Planner (read my full review here!).

Tip #4: Find a conductive study spot

Another study tips for college is finding a safe haven that sparks your studying stride! Whether it be a local coffee shop, your desk at home, or at the on-campus library, having some place to go to get into the study zone is going to make a huge difference in your grades.

The best place to study is somewhere where its quiet, calm, and makes you feel the most comfortable. I used to study in the campus library but seeing everyone in a panic the weeks leading up to finals week really made me stressed out. So now I study in my room or at a local coffee shop where nothing can bother me from the tasks at hand. Find what works for you and make it happen!

Tip #5: Get enough sleep

I feel like this tip is a given, but sleep is so important for your body, mental health, mood, and so much more. I can understand that during finals week, you’ll feel like you have to stay up late to cram in as much material as you possibly can. But let me tell you why you need to get more sleep, especially during finals.

While you sleep, your brain will compartmentalize the material that you studied into short-term and long-term memory, which is great for you in terms of passing your exams. Plus while you sleep, your brain and body hits the reset button and gets to fully relax so when you wake up the following morning, you feel rejuvenated and ready for the day! The best way to get more good-quality sleep is to create a night-time routine and participate in a good sleep habits.

Tip #6: Live a healthy lifestyle as best as you can

During final weeks, it’s more important than ever to eat healthy and to exercise daily. This study tip may sound a little crazy, but I promise it really does make a difference! When you eat crappy food and become a coach potato, you can start to have less energy and your mood may decline. It’s because junk food doesn’t give your body the vitamins and energy that it needs to keeping going.

The same goes with exercise. Exercise gives your brain a physical boost that it needs to remember everything you’ve been studying. Even just eating slightly better than normal and exercising daily during finals week will make a huge difference in the way that you feel and how you perform on your exams.

Tip #7: Make a practice exam (or two)

One of the best study tips for college is to make your own practice exams and test yourself on the material. After a big study session, take a few minutes to write down everything that you remember from a specific topic or section that you just studied. Whatever you don’t write is what you need to focus on. This little secret will help reinforce the material that you’re learning but also give you an idea of where you have gaps.

Don’t like that idea? Another way for you to quiz yourself is to make your own exams or quizzes online using a platform like Quizlet. I’ve been using Quizlet for years and it’s the easiest website to make your own quizzes. To make a good quiz/exam, go through your study notes and create your own questions based off your notes and what you think is important. I have to admit that sometimes when I used to make my own practice exams, it would be pretty darn close to the real one, which greatly improved my exam score! 

Tip #8: Live a little

This may sound like a set up, but you have to live a little and give yourself a few breaks in between those long hours of studying. I promise you’ll end up going crazy if you don’t! You have to realize that there’s only so much that you can do to prepare for an exam and that your brain also needs a break from studying all day. You’ll end up being more productive by taking small increments breaks throughout your studying session. For an example, you can study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break to do something else.

How do you prepare for finals week and your best kept secrets to acing an exam?

This post was originally published in April 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

The post How to Study Effectively & Nail Your Final Exams appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

While graduation is always a fun time, it can also be pretty nerve-wracking and a little scary. You may be moving to a new city, starting a new job, or heading to grad school, which means graduation is also a season of change. Before the real world hits you, let me share with you some graduation dresses that I found that are perfect for the big day! For my first graduation, I wore a fun off-the-shoulder white dress, and this year, I’m planning on wearing a navy blue off-the-shoulder dress.

One thing that I have noticed is that typically shorter dresses are more flattering with long, oversized caps and gowns. For the big day, definitely opt for something that you’re going to fill comfortable in because you could be sitting outside in the summer heat or sitting down for hours before it’s your turn to walk. I’m linking some cute neutral and color dress options as well as some comfortable shoes that are easier to walk in. There is literally nothing worse than tripping on stage because your heels are too high or slippery!

NEUTRALS

COLORFUL + PRINTS

SHOES

I hope that this post was helpful and that you found something that you like or at least help guide you on what to wear to graduation! Let me know in the comments below what you are wearing for the big day.

You may also like: 9 Skills Every College Student Should Master Before Graduation and 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Graduation 

The post Graduation Dresses 2020 | What to Wear appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

I can vividly remember being in my first year of pharmacy school and realizing that I literally had no credit score or history. I didn’t have a credit card at the time, no car payments, no student loans- nada! My friends at the time were mentioning to me about their credit cards and balances that I figured I should be more proactive with building up my credit. So I did what any college student would do, I went home that night and applied to the first student credit card that looked promising, which I was very quickly denied for. Thankfully after that incident, my mom sat down with me and went over the basics of what credit is, how to use it properly, and all the nitty-gritty details that are super important to know. 

Now I’m four years in and I’m proud to say that I’m almost at the 800+ club (I’m so close it hurts!). Most college students aren’t privileged enough to learn about credit before they enter college or graduate, which can lead to large debts and unpaid balances throughout the years. Today I am working with Lexington Law Firm to share some tips on how to manage your credit in college and after graduation as well as what you can do if you need your credit repaired.  

So What is Credit?

Credit is a numerical score that defines how likely you are to repay back your debts and how good you are at managing your responsibilities. Having a good or bad credit score will ultimately decide whether a bank or lender will give you a loan and what interest rate you will pay for that loan. Your credit score will range from 300-850 and is based on your credit history.

Why You Should Care About Your Credit Score

Unless you’re rich or have buckets of cashing laying around, you will eventually either now or in the future want to make a big purchase that you won’t be paying for immediately. If you ever plan on buying a big-ticket item or applying for any kind of loan, then you’re going to need a good credit score! Our financial market is driven by credit, which is why it’s so important to start building and managing your finances now in college. 

My Credit Goals

One of my biggest financial goals this year/next year is to pay off my student loans in full. I was lucky enough to only have about 35k in student loan debt for 6 years of college, which is definitely more manageable than what some of my fellow classmates are coming out with. I’m hoping that as soon I land my first job, I can create an emergency fund, go on a vacation, and get right to work on paying off my student loans. I know for a fact that I will be putting more than the minimum balance so that I can pay off my debt as soon as possible and be free from Sallie Mae. 

Tips on Managing Your Credit 

When I got my first credit card, I had no idea what I was doing (besides what my mom had previously told me about). I only knew that I shouldn’t make a late payment and that it takes time for your credit score to grow. So as you start managing your credit, don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than what you think it should take. Good credit takes time.

Tip #1: Pay your balance on time every month

One of the easiest ways to increase your credit score is to make all of your payments on time. A late payment or derogatory mark from a lender may seem harmless (especially if it’s only once or twice), but those marks can have long term effects on your credit score and even stay on your report for up to 7 years! If you have a terrible memory like me, set your accounts on auto-payment so that you never miss a payment or write the date into your planner.

Tip #2: Fix any errors on your credit report right away

Just like everything else in this world, errors and mistakes can be reported and ultimately affect your credit score. With Lexington Law, they believe that everyone has the right to a fair, accurate credit report and are willing to help you fix errors that may be reported on your report. I didn’t even know this was a thing until I started looking into Lexington Law Firm’s services. Some errors that may be reported are closed accounts that are reported as open, having old debts you’ve already paid off listed, and so much more. 

Tip #3: Spend wisely 

If you’re looking to build up your credit, then make sure to only utilize your credit cards for small or regular purchases that you can easily pay off. One of the easiest ways that people get themselves into trouble is by racking up a ton of credit card debt and not being able to pay it off right away. Treat your credit card like a debit card so that way you don’t overspend on your credit card. 

How Lexington Law Firm Can Help You Reach Your Credit Goals 

If you’re in a situation where your credit has taken a major hit, you should definitely reach out to Lexington Law Firm and allow them to see where they can help you repair your credit. I love Lexington Law Firm because they are not only the oldest and most respected name in the credit repair business, but they also have a long-standing relationship with the three major credit bureaus: EquiFax, TransUnion, and Experian. Each of the bureaus calculate your credit score differently, which is why it’s so important your credit repair company is familiar with each of the bureaus.

Another reason why I love Lexington Law Firm (and highly recommend them) is because the professionals that work there will work with you and go through your credit report with a fine-tooth comb. They will find different solutions to repair your credit and do most of the heavy lifting for you, such as contacting financial institutions and challenging errors on your behalf.. And if you’re like me, a woman on the go, they also have an easy-to-use app that allows you to quickly monitor and work on your credit from anywhere in the world. 

 Anything financial-related can be super stressful especially in your twenties. Don’t stress about it, but definitely take the time to become more educated and take any problem head on! If you’re interested in using Lexington Law Firm but you’re worried about the cost, they do offer different packages that can meet your needs now and in the future. 

The post How to Manage Your Credit in College and After Graduation appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Being in pharmacy school and in school for 6 years, I’ve been through quite a few semesters in college. Mid-semester burnout can hit you like a brick if you don’t catch it early. In today’s post, I’m sharing 10 tricks to help you avoid mid-semester burnout before it can raise its horns.

Remember your purpose and your dreams

Every year (and right before a new semester), I write down my goals, my aspirations, and the reasons why I decided to be a pharmacist. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or that I’m not good enough, I remind myself what my purpose is and that there’s a higher reason that I’m in this position to begin with.  I highly recommend that you do the same, which means take a few minutes to think about what your goals are and write them down somewhere where you’ll constantly be reminded of them. Once you see your goals and vision on paper (or screen), I’m sure you feel a lot better about why you’re working so hard in school.  

Take a breather and have a fun day out

Sometimes you just need to get off campus and have a fun day out somewhere. If you don’t have a car in college, no worries. A lot of colleges have a shuttle system to take students to the most popular destinations around the city. Or hop on the local bus or train system to go to a new area that you’ve never explored. Want to make it into a weekend trip? Do it! Book a flight to a cute destination or take a road trip to a nearby city with your friends. Once you focus on yourself and your well-being, I promise you’ll start feeling better and more relaxed afterwards.  

Prioritize your schedule

At the beginning of the semester, you might’ve fallen into the trap of signing up for too many commitments that you can no longer handle. This is okay, and it’s a learning situation that I, myself, had to learn a number of times. Before mid-semester burnout hits you hard, set your schedule and make changes to it over time. If something is causing you too much stress (say an organization or a relationship), you are absolutely allowed to cut out those things from your life. Life is supposed to be fun and joyful so if it doesn’t bring purpose or joy to your life, then say sayonara in the last remaining months of the semester.

Exercise, exercise, and exercise

I’m definitely not the person (at least right now) that enjoys working out, but whenever I do, I always feel better mentally and physically. Exercising produces endorphins, a chemical that our body produces to relieve stress and elevate our mood after a workout. When you’re first starting out, exercise can definitely feel like more work than fun. But overtime, it’ll eventually become fun and something that you actually enjoy. The one thing that keeps me motivated to work out on a regular basis is trying out different types of work out classes. There is so many to choose from that you’re sure to find something that you enjoy, from aerobic yoga to spin.

Start a new hobby and make time for it

Remember when I mentioned earlier about trying out new workout classes? Yep, the same principle applies. College is supposed to fun, exciting, and all about learning about yourself as a person. When you’re feeling stressed out or overwhelmed from classes, take a set back and try something new. It can be something that you used to do back in the day or something that you’ve always wanted to do but never did. This year I really want to dive more into photography and potentially get back into horse backing riding. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to take a horseback riding class in college, and it was a lot of fun.  

Go to your professor’s office hours

Obviously, a lot of stress is going to come from your classes and your workload. Instead of worrying at home, seek out your professor in his or her’s office hours. Your teachers are there to help you through the material so don’t be afraid to seek them out and ask questions. Don’t forget that they love what they do and appreciate when students make the extra effort to learn the material.

I remember when I was taking my first math class in college. I was in my teacher’s office probably once or twice a week asking questions and having her walk me through each problem step-by-step. The time that I spent with her was well-spent, and I learned so much. I had the same experiences in pharmacy school for which I am so thankful for.

Clean up your space

There is something special and calming about having a clean home. It’s so easy to let your room become messy and dirty when you’re stressed out, and for me, a dirty home makes me even more stressed out. Try to make it a habit to clean up your space, whether that be washing your dishes, washing your bed set, or picking up clothes off the floor, on a regular basis. The easiest way to stay on top of cleaning is to make a cleaning schedule and to do a little bit every day. This way your home stays clean, and it never gets super overwhelming.

Set a sleep schedule (and stick to it!)

If you want to avoid mid-semester burnout, then you’ll want to make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep on a regular basis. Overnighters and long work nights are the thieves of joy and prosperity. When you stay up all night, it feels like you’re getting a lot done and that you are being productive, but you’re not. Your brain works less effectively when its tired and overworked. Instead of pulling an all-nighter, plan your schedule to allow you a full night’s rest. You’ll feel a lot better and more energized after you slept a solid 7-8 hours.

Have a Girls Night In

Chances are that all are of your friends are feeling the same way and are experiencing the symptoms of mid-semester burnout. Reach out to them and try to get everyone together for the night. It’s super easy to set one up and cheap for the wallet. Order takeout, get together some of your favorite things, and let the night waste away. My favorite nights in college have been playing board games or watching movies with my friends. But honestly spend time, in general, with the people that you love and appreciate. It’ll make you feel 1000x better.

Go get pampered

There’s nothing better than getting a facial or massage when you’re feeling overwhelmed with life and school. If money is tight right now, look on Groupon for some great discounts on spa packages in your area. I can typically find a 60-minute massage for under $50, and it’s truly worth every penny. After a facial or massage, I feel so relaxed and in-sync that I’m ready to take on the world. Make sure to read the reviews and go to a location that has good feedback from other customers. You don’t want to be left with a crooked back or an unruly kink.

Mid-semester burnout is a real experience for a lot of college students. Don’t be afraid to take a step back and do a little mental check in. Even if you can only spare 15 minutes, relax and do something that you enjoy to re-center your mind. I know you’ll kill the rest of semester! Good luck!

The post 10 Tricks to Avoid Mid Semester Burnout appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.