Dear Life Section,
I have been falling behind in a few of my classes, and with finals happening right after Thanksgiving break, I am starting to worry about my grades. This semester has been especially draining, and I want to do everything I can to make sure my performance does not slip any further.
Sincerely,
Flunking Coug
Dear Flunking Coug,
Take a breather, you are not alone. Many students hit this point in the semester when they begin feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and unsure how to bounce back. The good news is that Thanksgiving break can be more than just a pause. It can be a turning point if you approach it with intention and balance.
Try to catch up academically without burning yourself out further. Before you open a single textbook, spend some time checking Canvas to note which assignments are missing, which deadlines are coming up and which classes still have room for improvement. This will help you avoid wasting time on tasks that will not meaningfully impact your final grade.
Thanksgiving break is not long, so keep your schedule realistic. A short plan would be more effective than a long, overwhelming one.
As you work through these days, try adopting shorter, structured study blocks instead of marathon sessions. Try 45 minutes of focused work followed by a 15-minute break. This Pomodoro-style study method helps maintain concentration and reduces burnout. This approach is especially helpful if you already feel mentally exhausted because it creates built-in rest without sacrificing productivity.
Another often overlooked tip is to use travel time as rest and reset. If you are flying or driving home, that downtime is perfect for watching a movie or listening to a podcast. Alternatively, you could choose to catch up with something low-pressure. Download Panopto lectures, listen to class recordings or review notes. It is a simple way to get work done without feeling like you are sacrificing your break.
It is also important to communicate with your professors before the break begins, especially if you are missing assignments or are unsure about upcoming deadlines. Most instructors appreciate proactive communication and may be willing to offer guidance, partial credit or clarification when they know you are genuinely trying to recover. A respectful, early email can save you from stress in the final weeks of the semester.
Throughout all of this, remember to put your energy toward the assignments that matter most. With limited time, focusing on high-value tasks like exams, major projects and heavily weighted assignments will help raise your grade more efficiently than spending hours on low-impact work. It is about working smart, not just working more.
Finally, and most importantly, permit yourself to rest. Thanksgiving break should not feel like another finals week. Allow yourself a full day with no academic obligations so you can reset physically and mentally. Rest is not wasted time. Your brain must perform at its best when finals arrive.
You still have time to turn things around. With a combination of structure, communication and self-compassion, this break can become the moment you shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control again. Be proud of yourself for taking action, and remember that catching up academically is completely possible with the right approach.
Thanksgiving break is short, but you can absolutely turn things around. Start small, be consistent and trust that you still have time to finish strong. You got this!
Sincerely,
The Life Section
