The start of the spring semester can be an exciting time, but it often starts with cold winter weather, which can be depressing. With the stress of fall semester over it is important to not get bogged down and slip into a winter slump. 

With the new year and semester we have to keep ourselves motivated and take care of ourselves. Self care should be at the forefront when things get stressful. 

To recharge over the winter break, Sheyla Garcia (sophomore, Liberal arts) said, “I went to Mexico over break and spent time with my family.” 

Having little getaways during winter break seems to be the best way to recharge and come into the semester with fresh eyes. If traveling is out of the picture currently, simply taking a walk or going on a hike nearby can certainly do the same thing. 

Having mindful practices that one can turn to can be helpful to get through the semester when things get tough. Meditating, physical activity, journaling, and simply getting are ways to practice this. 

The trendy ways of self care plastered across social media can seem out of a student budget.  Advertisements of spa treatments, expensive workout classes, and crazy morning routines can be intimidating.

If those things don’t fit your budget, there are alternatives. 

Claudia Vigil (sophomore, Sociology) expresses how she does not fall into a winter slump so she stays on top of her studies.

“I try to get all my schoolwork done the first day of the week to later enjoy some time off to relax and watch a few shows,” she said.  

Making time for yourself by being strategic about school work and taking it week by week is important so that it does burn you out.
Suffering from burnout is a real thing for college students. It’s important to find a balance between being more than just a student and being able to hang out with friends and indulging in things that are creative or relaxing. 

Soraya Vera (senior, Psychology) talks about how she stays out of a slump with all online classes.

“I honestly just try to do one productive thing a day,” she said. “Keeping my desk area [clean] or buying new decor helps motivate me for the new semester.” 

Looking for a way to get active while already on campus? Check out the Campus Recreation center. There are many free classes that are offered that could be enticing such as Zumba, Yoga, HIIT workouts along with many others.  

The CSU Stanislaus campus has many great resources if you have questions or need to talk to someone, Counseling and Psychological Services is available to help. Not everything can be solved with a few minutes of meditation and that is okay too. Stresses of life and school are intimidating things that can become overwhelming.

The next 16 weeks are going to have challenges and victories but keep your head up Warriors. Graduation, summer, longer days, and fresh watermelon are in our futures!