The fall semester is more than halfway over, which is hard to believe, but is still very exciting! Students have worked hard on homework and projects and studied for long hours while balancing life outside of school. Being an undergraduate student is rewarding but also demanding, especially as academic and extracurricular obligations begin to feel overwhelming towards the end of the semester.

It is important to keep in mind that college is full of transitions and growth. Remember to practice patience, give yourself grace, and acknowledge the efforts and successes made along the way by implementing some of the following time-management strategies that promote self-care, health and wellness.

• To the best of your ability, try to keep a structured routine.
• Set a routine that promotes both physical and mental health to help ease feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Prioritize sleep, relaxation and fueling your body with good nutrients.
• Get at least 10 minutes of physical activity each day, even if it is just a casual walk or stretch.
• Make time to fuel your creativity.

There is no denying being a college student is difficult and the unfortunate reality is that during those stressful times of the semester, students tend to put on hold the very things that could ease their overwhelmed feelings. While pulling all-nighters is common, especially during midterms and finals, sleep deprivation is a major contributor to depression and anxiety. Regardless of how much you need to study, time for adequate sleep should always be factored in!

Physical activities are another important form of self-care that is neglected by students when schedules get busy, however, daily exercise is good for the body and brain and is a great outlet to de-stress from schoolwork.

It is also easy to forget about the activities that bring you joy, such as reading a favorite book, going to the beach, learning a new hobby, or spending time with family and friends. Having something enjoyable to look forward to each week helps create breaks between the grind and can help bring focus back to the tasks you need to do in a more positive manner. Self-care in college is a critical component in having a successful higher education experience, so next time you feel pressure from the heavy school load, try these strategies to assist in managing stress and regulating emotions.