Happy November Bears! I know that this time of year can be stressful for many students. The end of the semester often means due dates are approaching leaving students feeling overwhelmed, and anxious. Here are some tips to lose the end of semester blues.

Don’t Procrastinate: Procrastinating only increases the amount of stress you will feel later. Try and get started on those projects early. Find an amount of time you feel is doable and set a timer.

Find Balance: Studying is important, but it shouldn’t prevent you from engaging in the things in life that bring you joy. Try to make time to see your friends and family, make a healthy meal, and exercise.

Promote Self-Care: Healthy coping mechanisms can include getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and increasing mindfulness through yoga or meditation. Every person is different so create a self-care plan that works for you.

Stay Away from Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: When stress increases some students turn to drug and alcohol use to “let off steam”. The abuse of these substances is associated with lower academic performance. Research shows that as alcohol use increases GPA decreases (Bolin et al., 2017). Don’t let these unhealthy coping strategies keep you from succeeding.

The Following Resources Are Available for Support

WellTrack Boost: a mental health resource offered through the counseling center. This suite of online tools and courses using aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is available to MSU students free of cost. https://missouristate.welltrack.com/

Togetherall: an online community where MSU students can anonymously share their feelings and get support to improve mental health and wellbeing. In the community, people support each other, safely monitored by licensed and registered mental health practitioners. https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/student

References

Bolin, R. M., Pate, M., & McClintock, J. (2017). The impact of alcohol and marijuana use on academic achievement among college students. The Social Science Journal, 54(4), 430–437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soscij.2017.08.003

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024b, October). Get the facts about underage drinking. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking