With the transition to fall on campus, our days grow shorter, calendars start to fill up, and our workload tends to get heavier. As the semester continues, we must pause and recharge to help ourselves navigate this new season.
Spend time in nature
After hours of screen time, stepping outside is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. Natural environments help regulate the sympathetic nervous system, which is the part of your body that stays on high alert during stress. When students are constantly exposed to stressors such as deadlines, procrastination, and anxiety, they can easily feel overwhelmed. Taking some time to walk through nature, whether it’s a short walk in the woods or a fall hike, offers us time to restore our bodies and reset our minds.
Plan out your week
Navigating between classes, work, and extracurriculars can make time feel as if it slips away from us. Our days become unbalanced as we rush to try to get everything done. Designing a plan that honors your work, goals, and hobbies is the perfect way to start fresh. Start with mapping out your class schedule, then planning intentional time for hobbies and other activities. While reworking your daily routines can improve productivity, it also creates a fulfilling schedule.
Make a fall bucket list
As we shift into the fall season, we can take this as an opportunity to slow down and make time for ourselves. Creating a bucket list can remind us to enjoy the present moment. Even in the busiest weeks, having small, meaningful experiences planned can make a big difference in your mental health throughout the semester. There are plenty of on and off-campus seasonal activities to do, whether it is apple picking, visiting a pumpkin patch, watching Halloween-themed movies, or baking something seasonal.
Stay active on campus
In times of stress, movement is key. SUNY Cortland’s Student Life Center is an incredible opportunity for students to engage in a variety of recreational activities that contribute to their physical, emotional, and social health. Whether you join a group exercise class or work out on your own, physical activity can improve your mood, reducing stress and anxiety, ultimately making you feel more grounded in your day-to-day life.
Organize your dorm or living space
Cleaning your dorm or living space is a form of self-care that sets the tone for your week. Clearing off your desk or tidying up your room will allow your brain more capacity to concentrate, reducing distractions and mental clutter. As you organize your space, it can lead to organizing your schedule as well, creating a routine that helps you stay on track. Starting the week with a refreshed space and a clear plan will allow you to feel in control of the upcoming week.
As we approach mid-semester, it is important to find ways for ourselves to stay on track. Focus on these small steps to claim control over your time, as a new season is the perfect time to reset and recharge. Don’t let assignments, deadlines, and exams dictate your fall semester.