Now that the chronological midpoint of the semester has passed, there is a brief moment where students can catch their breath before bracing for finals. The back-to-back deadlines and intense studying for midterms cause stress, and students need to take time separate from academics to feel fulfilled. Here are some local activities, campus resources, and practices that can help you recover from a heavy workload.
After the dismissal of the PE requirement, students may find it difficult to fit regular exercise into their schedules. While high-intensity exercise, defined as at least 60% of the maximum heart rate, promotes a variety of physical and mental benefits, low-intensity exercise can be similarly beneficial. Maximum heart rate can be simply approximated by subtracting your age from 220, and training in both high-intensity and low-intensity ranges is beneficial. Both endorphins, the body’s naturally produced painkillers and mood elevators, and cortisol, the primary hormone involved in stress regulation, increase during high-intensity exercise. Resting after high-intensity exercise helps the body return to normal cortisol levels and maintain a good mood. Low-intensity exercise decreases cortisol, so even just out for a walk is scientifically proven to decrease stress.
The good thing about the unseasonably warm temperatures due to climate change is that it is still comfortable in November to take a walk around the city. Hoboken has many options for scenic walks: the Waterfront Walkway connects nine municipalities with 18.5 linear miles of city-maintained path, accessible for free 24 hours a day. Hoboken also has “35 parks, totaling 53 acres of open space.” The Hoboken Events Calendar lists all the events happening in public spaces, including farmer’s markets, Little League Games, block parties, 5K events, and more.
On campus, there are a variety of resources to connect with the community and decrease stress. The Lore-El Center, Black Student Union, and National Society of Black Engineers collaborate to host The Black Girl Safe Space, a community event where students of color can vent and share how their recent stressors have been impacting their mental health. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Lore-El also host sessions biweekly to support women’s mental health with their upcoming events on family conflict and managing stress and self-care. This semester, CAPS provided access to UWill, a free online therapy service to address student needs and limited in-person therapy options. Students can sign up and book an appointment within 24 hours, and try different options for therapists that best fit their conversation style. If you’ve never tried therapy before, it can be extremely helpful to have dedicated time to express your emotions and know that the person listening is professionally obligated to provide support. Mindfulness and meditation events and apps like Calm or Headspace can guide you through deep breathing, which is also proven to reduce cortisol levels.
The Academic Support Center connects students with one-on-one tutors and hosts drop-in tutoring hours in the library. Having a peer mentor who can quickly answer questions as they come up can make managing a tough course much easier. Dedicating separate time in your week from the lecture content to hear the material in a different way will improve your understanding, and you may find yourself moving through the assignments quicker and with less frustration if you break them up into smaller sections. Planning spare time for when assignments take longer than anticipated reduces stress in a busy week, though it is easier said than done. Making a list of all of the tasks you need to complete and a generous estimate of how long it will take to complete them can help you plan your week more efficiently.
While you may find yourself overwhelmed by coursework during the adjustment period and high-volume weeks like midterms and finals, being a student should not take up all of your time. The necessities: sleep, diet, and exercise are crucial for your success, and it is impossible to maintain your academic work while neglecting your physical well-being. It is tempting to put them on the back burner during periods of high stress, though you will be able to stay more motivated and happier if you prioritize yourself first.
