Seasonal affective disorder is hitting hard as final deadlines and the end of the semester quickly approaches. Through general and Covid-19-related absences this semester, many students cannot afford to miss more classes before finals week. Rather than becoming consumed by essays and exams, students should find simple ways to relieve stress without having to take the whole day off.

The temperature is dropping, and student’s flex dollars are depleting fast. Whether living on campus or commuting, most SU students have little to no expendable income. Here are ways to take a short mental health break without missing any important classes.

Spend time outside between classes

Spending time outside is a good way to take a short break from the stressors of university life. The campus offers many spaces to enjoy the outdoors, or for students to go between classes other than their dorms. While the current fall weather is still not very harsh, it is good for students to sit outside in an Adirondack chair while they do schoolwork or take a few passing moments to be still.  

If nothing else, students can get some extra vitamin D before the darker winter months while taking time between classes and clubs. 

Eat Something

It is very easy to forget to eat lunch when students are cramming for an exam at 1 p.m. Eating meals is one of the most important parts of staying on top of one’s mental health. As the stress of final exams and projects approaches, do not let the basic necessities fall to the wayside.

Additionally, Reisner Dining Hall and the different locations in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB) are great places to study during and after meals. Taking care of oneself physically is the first step to taking care of oneself mentally.

Options instead of Reisner

Reisner is one of the few places on campus for students to eat during the week. Between the CUB food court and the food at Reisner, meals can start to become repetitive for students. At the Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, students are able to use their meal swipes. 

In order to switch it up, students should consider using their lunchtime meal swipe for a drink and food item from either shop. This is an easy way for students to improve their day without spending extra flex dollars or cash from their personal funds.

Eat candy in class (or grapes)

University students are very brave and deserve treats too. Sweets are great for those of all ages. Indulging in sweets — candy or a healthier option such as fruit — every once in a while, is another creative and cheap way to treat oneself. 

Eating something small like a piece of candy in class is also a discreet way to make sitting through a lecture more entertaining. 

Call your mom

A call home or to a friend does not have to last long. Even a brief conversation can help lift the spirits of any stressed-out college student. Talking to a parent or friend can help relieve the high stress caused by the impending due dates. 

Casual conversation is a great way to take care of mental health; calling home can help students ground themselves as stress mounts. 

C’s get degrees, and B is not Bad

While this cliché saying is overused by college students, it is accurate. A few low — but passing — grades in general education courses, or other classes, will not be too harmful to student’s obtaining their degree. Students should keep this in mind as finals approach.

Students should not beat themselves up over a grade. There are far more important aspects to life than one failed exam score.

Pretend it is a game

Romanticize the day. By treating classes like they are a game or level to beat, students may find the strength to get to class for another lecture or exam. Pretending to be Hermione Ganger is a great way to feel better about spending half the day studying in the library. 

It is good for students to find little things in their days to boost their spirits and feel motivated. 

Therapy is also a healthy option for any student going through any type of issue. Please contact the University Counseling Center by calling 717-477-1481 to make an appointment or visit their website, ship.edu/life/wellness/counseling-center. 

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