Already Stressed?

 By Arabella Chamberlain

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Classes only just started. We can't be that stressed out yet, can we?

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Raise your hand if you're already under piles of homework.

College is hard. No lie. You all know that. But this past year has been the hardest, guaranteed. There's a lot of pressure to still do well in classes, from professors to parents to peers. It can be hard to handle it all. I often find myself diving into my work, only emerging to eat. THIS IS NOT HEALTHY.

That's why this semester, it's time for a clean slate. Follow some of these tips below to help not only your grades but your wellbeing!

• Get out of your dorm. Not the easiest to do in the dead of winter in the midst of a pandemic, but here we are. Being cooped up all the time is not great for anyone. Take a break and step outside. I know it's cold, but consider a nature walk with a friend or even just a walk around the quad once or twice. The benefits of being outside, even for just a few minutes are insane! Just remember to socially distance and mask up!
• Talk it out. You're not the only person on campus in desperate need of some help with homework. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your friends or other students in your classes. Expressing your feelings about your coursework might help others feel at ease and relieve some of your fears that you're all alone. Mental health is just as important as physical health - but we certainly don't treat it that way! And if you really think everyone else has got it down and you're the only one that doesn't, remember imposter syndrome is real.
• Get a tutor! Coe's Learning Commons is chockful of useful resources, from supplemental instruction (SI) to peer tutors to academic coaches. Take it from me, I have survived some of my toughest classes by utilizing these resources. Fill out a Request for Academic Support to get started!

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There are plenty of other great ways to tackle this semester. Poke around this blog for more if you get a chance! These are only a few things to get you started, but even just one small step to take care of your wellbeing can be a huge step to kicking this semester's - well, I probably shouldn't say that on a college-sponsored website.

Anyway, you got this!