10 Things I Do When I Want to Quit

This week, I’m going to stray a little bit from talking specifically about pharmacy, and talk a little bit more about something, although very relatable to pre-pharm students, almost every college student feels at one point or another. This week, I’m going to share with you guys the ten things I do when I feel like giving up. They may seem like very small, trivial things, but they have definitely helped to keep me sane amongst the coursework that being an undergraduate student demands.

With finals coming up soon for most, I felt like this was a good time to share this post, since, like I said, almost every college student feels like quitting at one point or another. Whether you just got a not-so-hot test grade, or you’re not sure how you’re going to tackle your long and stressful finals week, hopefully my ten tips will help you.

1. I call my Mom

Whether you think so or not, moms always know best. My mom is incredible when it comes to supporting me, especially when I’m stressed out about school.

2. I take a hot shower.

For a lot of people, the shower is a place where they can think, or clear their head. Some of my friends do their best brainstorming in the shower. Either way, its kind of like hitting reset on your mind and body.

3. I listen to music

Listening to music is a good way to keep calm, and a good way to spend a “study break,” if you’re a fan of those. And if you feel like you can’t stop studying, but need a little stress-reliever? Find a cool jazz or classical playlist on Spotify to keep your mind sharp while you work.

4. I clean my apartment

Believe it or not, cleaning my apartment makes me feel so much better when I’m stressed. It’s a good way to be productive, while not really doing schoolwork.

5. I get together with a friend

You can vent, study together, or just chill to get your mind refocused.

6. I workout.

Kind of like cleaning, this is one thing that you can do that is productive, but doesn’t have to involve studying. And if you don’t have time to drop the studies completely? I’ve seen so many people at my University’s gym with notes on an elliptical or stationary bike. You can multi-task!

7. I go to bed earlier.

Sometimes, all our bodies need to unwind is a little more sleep. It’s hard when finals start to roll around, but sleep does wonders when I’m down or stressed out. Like showering, its a good way to reset your entire day.

8. I organize my week.

This is something I started doing after one too many stressful midterm weeks. If I know I have a tough week coming, I really take time to prioritize my tasks. Then I sit down and make a (color-coded) list of things I need to get done. Instead of thinking ‘Oh my gosh, I have so much to do; I’m swamped!,’ I try to think, ‘Ok, I checked one thing off of my list...now let’s move on to the next.

9. I set goals.

This one is obviously a little more long term. I try to set a certain amount of goals for a school year, or a semester. They might be little, like trying to run at least 3 times a week. They are also bigger, like setting certain GPA, or course grade goals. That way, when I get a bad grade, I have something to motivate me or something to refocus on.

10. I reward myself.

Sometimes this is an ice cream cone split with my boyfriend on the terrace after a rough week of midterms, but I also try to have weekly rewards. For example, I get myself a cup of coffee every Tuesday morning, before my communications class. Little things like this can give you something to look forward to!

Hopefully some of my tips on what I do when I’m feeling stressed, or feeling like I want to quit can help you guys next time you feel that way!

Have a great week,

Allison