Small Habits to Rebuild Momentum After the Winter Break
Written by: Tuleen Tayeh, 5th Year Health Science Specialization and Psychology Major
Photo by: Western Communications
Second semester offers a fresh opportunity to reset and refocus. After the Winter break, returning to campus is less about rushing back into productivity and more about finding your rhythm again. Small, intentional steps can help make the transition smoother and set a steady pace for the weeks ahead.
There’s no need to dive back into the semester all at once. Small habits can gently reintroduce structure and focus, helping progress build over time. Second semester is less about speed and more about finding what works for you.
Ease Back Into Structure
After time away from classes, routines often feel unfamiliar. Instead of trying to fix everything at once, choose one anchor habit to rebuild first, such as waking up at the same time each day, planning your week on Sunday evening, or dedicating one focused study block per day.
If you find it difficult to organize your time or stay consistent, Academic Support & Engagement at Western offers planning tools, workshops, and strategies that help students create realistic routines that work alongside busy schedules. Even small adjustments can make your days feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Reflect on Last Semester
Second semester is a great opportunity to pause and reflect, not to criticize yourself, but to learn. Take a few minutes to think about what helped you succeed last term and what made things harder. Was it time management, workload balance, or motivation?
Turning reflection into action doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn2Thrive supports students in building practical learning strategies while also prioritizing well-being. Their resources can help you transform broad goals like “doing better this term” into small, achievable habits that feel sustainable over time.
Prioritize Your Well-Being
Academic focus and engagement are closely connected to mental and physical well-being. When stress builds up early in the semester, it can affect focus, motivation, and confidence. Making space for rest, movement, and self-care isn’t a distraction from school, and it’s an important part of success. You can take advantage of Campus Recreation’s Move Your Mood programming, which offers free, inclusive movement and recreation-based events. From meditation and fitness classes to social games and wellness fairs, designed to help students de-stress, move their bodies, and connect with others between study sessions. Join a class or event to reset both physically and mentally, making it easier to return to your work feeling refreshed!
Western’s Wellness & Well-being resources offer a variety of supports, including workshops, self-help tools, and mental health services. Whether you’re managing stress, navigating anxiety, or simply trying to stay balanced, these resources can help you feel more grounded as the semester progresses.
Refresh Your Space and Mind
Returning to campus after a break is the perfect time to reset both your environment and your mindset. Start by reconnecting with your study space: tidy your desk, organize your notes, or rearrange your backpack. A clean, inviting space can make studying feel more approachable and help you focus naturally.
Pair this with a mindfulness or mindset ritual. Even 3–5 minutes of stretching, deep breathing, or quiet reflection can make a big difference. Western’s Mindful Moments offer short, guided mindfulness practices that students can easily fit into their day, whether before studying, between classes, or when stress starts to build.
Western also offers a range of mindfulness supports and resources designed to help students build awareness, manage stress, and stay present throughout the semester. These tools can support both academic focus and overall well-being, especially during busy or overwhelming periods.
By taking a few minutes to care for your space and your mind, you create a gentle but powerful foundation for staying focused, motivated, and balanced as classes ramp up.
Stay Connected and Lean on Support When Needed
University life can feel isolating at times, especially during winter months. Staying connected, whether through friends, study groups, or campus communities, can help reduce stress and make challenges feel more manageable.
If you’re dealing with academic, personal, or financial concerns and aren’t sure where to start, Student Support & Case Management can help connect you to the right services and guide you through available options.
You can also reach out to Western’s Peer Support Centre, where students support students in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Sometimes, simply talking things through with someone who understands university pressures can make a big difference.
Moving Forward With Intention
Rebuilding progress after the Winter break isn’t about being perfect or productive all the time. It’s about showing up consistently, giving yourself grace, and recognizing when support can help.
Second semester is a chance to reset, not by doing everything differently, but by making small, intentional choices that support your academic success and well-being. Through Western’s Student Experience supports, students can access a wide range of academic, wellness, and campus resources designed to help them feel supported throughout the semester. Using these resources early can help you feel more confident, connected, and ready to thrive.
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