By Sayuri Vargas-Hernandez, Contributing Writer
Students often feel motivated and happy at the start of each semester. However, by March, many begin to feel unmotivated and overwhelmed due to deadlines, quizzes, exams, and the relentless pressure to excel.
Because students constantly strive for high performance, they often make little room for self-care. This raises the question: How can students prioritize their mental health while still succeeding academically?
For college students to succeed, they must understand the importance of time management. Creating a weekly schedule can help them stay organized, manage classes, and set aside time for studying.
Stress and feelings of being overwhelmed are common, but maintaining mental and physical health is essential for academic success. Regular exercise—even something as simple as walking around campus—can boost mood and energy levels. Eating balanced meals and getting proper sleep are equally important.
While some students may try to navigate the semester alone, reaching out to friends, family, or mental health professionals can be beneficial. Campus resources, including those at the Wellness Center, can provide valuable support.
“Mental health is really important, especially for students, because good mental health allows them to focus, concentrate, and retain more information in classes. It can be challenging for students, but maintaining mental health ensures that students can navigate these changes and challenges with resilience,” said Alyssa Rodriguez, a graduate assistant pursuing a master’s in business management with a concentration in healthcare management.
When students practice self-compassion, they recognize that stress and setbacks are a natural part of the semester. Being overly critical can be counterproductive, whereas acknowledging their efforts and being kind to themselves can build resilience.
Overall, knowing how to balance the spring semester requires a combination of good time management, self-care, support, organization, realistic goal-setting, and self-compassion.
“Mental and physical health are connected. Poor mental health can lead to physical health issues, such as fatigue, immune systems, sleep disturbances, and chronic conditions, but good mental health promotes overall physical well-being and a better mindset that can benefit students,” said Rodriguez.
By prioritizing mental health and adopting these strategies, students can navigate the semester’s demands with greater comfort and success. Remember, it’s not just about surviving the semester—it’s about succeeding in it.
