The end of the fall semester can be a stressful time for students, with final exams, holidays and graduation all happening. It's important to make the time to prioritize your mental health. That’s why I want to share with my fellow Sun Devils my three tips to manage stress and prevent becoming overwhelmed during this busy time.
1. Prioritize your self-care.
The thing I’ve learned about self-care over the years is that it can look different for everyone. There isn’t a right way to take care of yourself, but it’s so important to take time out of your busy schedule to do so.
I practice self-care in various forms depending on the day. Some days I like taking a long walk around my neighborhood; other days it’s watching a TV show to decompress. No matter how you practice self-care, you should be taking time to unwind in busy seasons like this one.
2. Find a supportive community to have in your corner.
I have a physical support system of people I can get coffee with in person. But sometimes as an online college student, I want to interact with classmates who don’t live near me. I have gained an online support system through my sorority at ASU, Delta Sigma. I know I now have other students I can talk to who understand the struggles that virtual learners go through. We can rely on each other as sisters and as Sun Devils to be there for each other in stressful seasons. I would encourage any ASU student to find an organization they can be a part of online. A couple interesting ones that I’ve heard about are Psyched Up Sun Devils and QueerSpace.
3. Know your limits and reach out for help if needed.
Through my years of therapy, I’ve learned where my limits are and how to take a step back when I reach them. It might be hard to reach out for help at times, but it can be so beneficial. I started therapy for the first time when I was getting my undergraduate degree and it taught me coping skills for how to deal with stress in college. I still use those skills today and I encourage everyone to seek help during this time if needed.
I hope we as the ASU Online community can continue to learn more ways to take care of ourselves and support each other through these stressful times. Check out all the amazing resources and services and other student stories that ASU Online has to offer to help you stay on track with your education. You got this, Sun Devils!