Second Semester Stress

So, it’s the start of the second semester. You thought it would get easier, but the workload is stacking up, there are tests and quizzes at every corner, and you can’t seem to catch a break. You think you’re alone, but you’re not—it’s the majority of students that are in the exact same boat as you are.

It’s often difficult to juggle clubs, sports, schoolwork, and numerous other activities all at once, especially on your own. Amidst the chaos and stress, know that everyone, including yourself, needs to take breaks in order to function healthily.

Talk to your friends about the stress and pressure you’ve been feeling (it’s likely they’ve been feeling the same way), and sympathize with one another. Take turns listening to one another and understanding the other’s situation. You might find new ways to cope, discover new perspectives, or simply find comfort in the fact that this is not a struggle you alone are facing.

And sometimes, the best type of break isn’t binging a show or scrolling through Instagram. The best thing you can do for yourself to reduce the stress in your life and look after your mental wellbeing is catching up on your sleep, which often affects your mood and mindset for the day, or getting a breath of fresh air, whether that’s reading a book outside or getting a little exercise done. You may even want to pick up or resume a hobby to clear your mind of the small things that have been worrying you most.

It may be difficult to find the time in your busy schedule to take these breaks or have these dialogues with friends, but taking even 5 minutes to step back makes a monumental difference on your overall wellbeing.