The SNHU community is now settled into the school year and the Fall ’22 semester is proceeding quickly. The first half of the term has offered various events, such as CAPE’s Big Money Bingo and the Involvement Fair. Other functions, such as the Munchiez food truck, have also returned to the livened campus.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any struggles on campus. The need for mental health support will increase throughout the course of the fall semester and into the spring semester. School is important, but it won’t matter if students are unable to focus on their own well-being.
Students work to maintain good mental health. Anyone that spreads themselves too thin is more likely to experience burnout. Workloads increase as the school year goes on, so knowing how to manage large workloads to allow room for other activities is crucial.
Busy schedules are manageable if a student is organized. Keeping a daily planner is one way to stay on track with homework, meetings, and events. While this may not work for everyone, having a routine can make a schedule feel less chaotic. Setting aside time for relaxation is equally as important as having designated blocks for homework and other activities when not in class.
Expectations for students increase throughout the school year, which can add pressure. Many students strive for perfection, so their ability to step away from their responsibilities becomes more difficult. Academic success becomes the sole focus, making it easy to overlook mental health.
A busy schedule doesn’t just come from the classroom; it comes from clubs, organizations, and sports. Between attending club events, general meetings, and even E-Board or additional meetings, personal time can diminish. This is especially pertinent for those that take part in multiple extracurriculars.
While joining extracurriculars can help students find their niche and get connected with other students, it’s important to focus on oneself.
Methods of personal care can vary depending on personal preference. Some people may decide to get into fitness, other people may prefer curling up with a cup of coffee and a book. Whatever it may be, everyone should find something they enjoy doing in between obligations.
Students may worry about falling behind in their workload or disappointing the people that count on them. However, it’s important to remember this: it’s okay to take a break. In order to be there for other people, students need to learn how to be there for themselves first.
Being a college student does not amount to being a machine. Not everyone can be in multiple places at once, nor do they need to shoulder everything on their own; always ask for help if needed.
The school year is only going to speed up from here, so having a balanced routine can help to mitigate stress. Moreover, knowing when to slow down or take a break is the key to a healthy lifestyle, which can help anyone succeed.
Students can check out the article, “Dealing With Burnout,” on The Penmen Press website, or contact the Wellness Center at 603-645-9679 or wellness@snhu.edu with additional inquiries.
