As we rapidly approach midterms, it is clearer than ever that the students of Colorado Mesa University (CMU) are already feeling burnt out. Class is enough stress itself, but with the majority of the student body working at jobs on and off-campus or playing a sport if not both, there is a lot on everyone’s plate. 

At times like this, it is more important than ever to focus on finding a balance in life. It’s important to focus on homework and getting to class, but at a certain point, if you allow your existence to be dominated by school you are going to be more stressed with no reward. 

It’s critical to find the time in your day to spend time with friends or at non-school-related clubs such as a club sports team or attending one of the concerts at Moss Performing Arts Center. This helps me out a lot when I set everything aside for the day and don’t need to think about school for a few hours. 

Some great coping strategies I use on my own are to play video games, or watch TV at night when I feel like my responsibilities for the day have been completed. Reading a book you enjoy with some calm music playing is always a great way to decompress as well. There may be a lot going on, but there is no reason to sacrifice your mental health. In fact, times like this call for making it a priority.

Working out or getting out in nature are also always great ways to clear your head. We live in a beautiful place when you get out and take a look. On top of that, we always have the Mav Center and Hamilton Rec Center for getting an indoor workout during the day.

Everyone uses different ways to destress and if you are able to schedule a time every day to use your own methods to ease your mind, you might find yourself feeling better in general as well as feeling more focused in class and in school. Remember, we are all relatively in the same boat as students of CMU, so check in with your friends and family whenever possible. 

Keep your heads up, Mavs.