Midfall Stress

You probably didn't know that you were in the middle of it, or even that it existed. But it does…

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--By Heddwyn Kyambadde, Student Communications Intern

It's around that time when everything starts to pile up and you start forgetting people's names. No one really knows what it is and what it's called, so we're gonna label it Midfall stress for now.
Let's make sure we're on the same page in understanding what really happens during this period:

MIDTERMS

An obvious foe that we should be prepared to tackle but for some reason are not really prepared for. Why not? Because the semester started 'like two seconds' ago and we're only a few weeks from thanksgiving and a month from Christmas. Hence justified procrastination. That will amount to failure. Stress….

HOLIDAYS

As previously stated, there are a ton of Holidays that we're looking forward to most probably with some older distant relative coming over to make that delicious dessert that is just that special. Why be concerned about the minute 'big deals' like school and assignments? Because if we fail, these will be less enjoyable. More stress…

So what to do

Well to most, simply being told what to do is as equally stressful as the above. So we're not going to do that. We're going to see what has worked for some in the past. We consulted a few seniors (lazy ones included) about the problems and compiled some resolve:

SCHEDULING

As preachy as this may sound (in a Christian college), it works like a charm and, no offense, it's foolproof. This entails planning ahead, aka "I have a paper due post Torrey Conference and I'm heading to Big Bear that weekend, why not get it done prior?" Scheduling enables us to know when to fit the fun times into our busy Octobers and, as tough as it sounds, skip them when we must.

RESTING

And we do not strictly mean sleep here. Escape technology for a few hours and revitalize your system with a relaxing activity. For some it may be a volleyball game, others a simple walk on a beach or chilling to music and a good book. Do that!

GOD TIME

This literally should be every time, but we're being specific here. We tend to forget our reason for being and how easy it is for Him to pluck the stress from beneath our sweat glands. Don't hesitate to ask Him. Yes, sometimes it's as easy as, "Almighty father, relieve me of this and guide me through the week. Please."

So there you have it. Something you probably already know to do, for an experience you didn't know you're having. Welcome to college. If it's any consolation, you're not alone. Look around you in the cafe or in chapel or even in class. And before you know it, December will be here.