Five weeks into the semester, midterms are right around the corner. The feeling of having just started is mixed with the feeling that we’ve been here forever, and burnout is creeping closer again. We’re all exhausted already.
This academic year marks four semesters since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have had to persevere through the worst of the pandemic, pushing through online classes and a lack of social life, we’ve also grown as people and built up our resiliency to unbelievable levels.
Now, after a year-and-a-half of constant abrupt changes, things are seeming just a tad more normal, a little more consistent. More students are able to go to in-person classes, invite people to their dorms and participate in university activities, all things that were nonexistent.
Outside, many walk Sixth Street with their faces bare, enjoying fresh air while summer wanes and masks are required only in buildings. Campus looks much the same.
At Palousafeset 2021, the turnout was much bigger than the past two years. The event was filled with students eager to begin the semester anew, and hopeful for the pre-pandemic college experience. Students have been able to enjoy themselves more, and things have begun to look more normal.
Students are spending more time out-and-about than before, taking advantage of the in-person experience since classes have started. But over the past year and a half, the nation has been accustomed to quarantine, social distancing and Zoom University.
This transition from everything being done remotely to being in-person can be a big culture shock, and many people may have a difficult time adjusting. It’s like moving from a small town to a big city, where suddenly someone is surrounded by people from all angles.
The world powered down for a while and as things begin to function as normal, it can be a big change not even Gen Z’s perseverance can be 100% ready for.
Transitioning to in-person can be overwhelming for all of our mental health. The way we take notes, do assignments and function daily has changed. Being surrounded by blankets and being a walk away from our fridge isn’t an option anymore, and we must begin to manage our time differently. Again.
The future may still seem uncertain, and as things continue to change during this pandemic we don’t know what will happen next. Just like we have always done, we need find the motivation to power through and keep on keeping on.
The way we take care of ourselves matters more now than ever, including self-care, staying on top of schoolwork and staying organized. The way we take notes and arrange our thoughts can make a major difference.
That is all easier said than done.
Feeling stressed out and overwhelmed is completely valid, and there are ways to manage these anxieties. When feeling upset, try focusing on your breath and slow down. In your free time, no matter how little you have, indulge in hobbies and activities that bring on the serotonin. Try some yoga or exercise, schedule time to hang out with friends and try journaling.
For those who are struggling, the Counseling and Testing Center has many resources available to students, faculty and staff to help relieve and manage stress. These include mindfulness drop-in sessions, free counseling and several self-help online resources. The CTC can be reached at (208)885-6716.
Nearing the end of suicide awareness month, this is not only a time to focus on mental health “bad” enough for someone to have suicidal thoughts. It’s a time for everyone to check in with themselves, their friends, their mental health and serves as a reminder to put yourself first.
If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, contact a loved one, the CTC or the national suicide hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.
As things begin to accelerate into midterms, remember to make time to relax and take care of yourself. We have been through tremendous change and unprecedented times. Transitioning can be a huge stressor and burnout is a real thing. School is important, but so is your mental health.
-Editorial Board