Eggs

That’s the picture I have in my head when I think about where my mental health is right around this time every year. Maybe you have that one professor that is kind of mean, and you’ve successfully sucked back your tears throughout the semester, but now you feel like you could crack if they say one more thing. Maybe you’ve already gotten to the point where all the days, hours, and minutes seem to be scrambled together and you’re relying on your roommate to wake you up and remind you that your class started five minutes ago.

If you can relate, here are some over(ly)-easy ways to make it to the end of this semester without boiling over.

1. Remember you pretty much have free-range on the campus. Go on a walk around campus or on one of the trails, hammock by the river, visit the mini botanical garden at the top of the science complex, play hide-and-seek in the library.
2. Create a schedule and stick to it. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself and add scheduled rest times.
3. As Benedict Cumberbatch said, “...take each moment as it comes.” Try not to let a lower score derail you or make you feel less than. If your quiz didn’t go so well, let yourself be disappointed, then let it go and study better for the next one.
4. Take advantage of the Wellness Center. Use the saunas, poach yourself in the whirlpool, take some time in the infrared light cove. Allow yourself to actually relax without any books or electronics to distract you.
5. Intentionally look for the sunny side in whatever you’re doing. Studies show that thinking positively actually contributes to lowered levels of anxiety and stress. If you need help on how to think more positively, click here.
6. If you feel burnt out or fried and need to talk to someone, reach out. One of the chaplains and/or the Counseling & Testing Center would be more than willing to assist if you need a little extra help.
7. Be on the lookout for any events that will be coming in this next month that are literally geared to help you relax heading into finals.
8. Get active! Don’t stay in your room and study all day, you seriously need to move! Go to an open gym, play tennis, race your friends around the track, climb the rock wall, or attend a class at the Wellness Center.
9. Remind yourself that you are more than a grade. Know this: you can’t stop God from doing what He already has planned for you. Do your part and trust that God will do His.

Best of luck!
Points if you find all 9 times I referred to eggs ;)