Tips for Staying Motivated

You’ve made it to the halfway point of the semester! Midterms are wrapping up, and we are preparing for the second half of the term. Congratulations are in order for what has undoubtedly been a demanding semester. As we prepare for the remainder of fall, here are some tips to help stay motivated and avoid burnout.

Take a Break

The transition to distance learning often blurs the lines of home and work life. It can leave us feeling caught in a never-ending work cycle which leads to burnout. Recharging can often be a necessary step to productivity. Some fun ideas include:

• Taking a walk
• Reading a book
• Watching an exciting show
• Calling a friend
• Listen to music
• Paint or color

Revisit Goals

It’s easy to lose sight of our goals while in the process of achieving them. Consider revisiting the goals you and your students have for the remainder of the course. This reminder can be just the thing needed to re-engage and finish strong.

Reach Out

Consider reaching out to:

• Students—Let your students know that you appreciate the work they have put in and that you are there for them on their path to success. If possible, send individual messages of encouragement to students highlighting what you think they’ve been successful with at this point in the semester.
  • It can also be helpful to encourage students to check in with their peers if they aren’t already.
• Friends & Family—It’s always important to stay connected to friends, family, and colleagues. Sending a text or making a brief phone call can aide in preserving and making connections.

Share with Students

• Encourage your students to try out the tips above.
• Show what you are doing to stay motivated by posting an announcement in the course space or a Panopto recording.