The spring semester can feel fast moving for many students. With midterms underway, trying to balance day to day obligations and finals quickly approaching, managing your overall well-being can become difficult. With the help of campus resources and student wellness strategies managing stress can be easier.
SUNY Brockport senior Myah Orlowski has felt a lack of motivation this semester but found different ways to help keep herself on track.
“I feel like my heart hasn’t really been in it as much as it has in the past,” Orlowski said. “But of course, I’m still working hard, still trying to maintain stability and structure for my courses and getting my work done. I find that I just have to really discipline myself and be patient.”
Orlowski is majoring in political science with a minor in legal studies. Between the big picture concepts and minute details of her work, she finds switching up studying habits allows her to absorb more information.
“I always get super freaked out before an exam, but I think that’s just kind of a universal experience. So, I have different ways of studying,” Orlowski said. “I do give myself credit that I take good notes in class. So, I rely heavily on my notes, but I also believe in the teaching method. It’s where you kind of teach what you you’ve been studying to someone else. Also creating simplified definitions helps because a lot of it is wordplay and memorization.”
Along with utilizing multiple study habits Orlowski finds the environment she’s in plays a large role as well. The Drake Memorial Library study rooms have become a favorite spot for Orlowski.
“I think if I see someone sitting across from me that is also doing work, I feel more obligated to be doing my own work. I have a hard time retaining things through the screen, so I do print out my notes there. That way I can highlight things, write on them and make small adjustments,” Orlowski said.
Students can reserve large group study rooms and screening/meeting rooms in the library through the EMS website. While the smaller study rooms offer a secluded space to get work done without the need of a reservation, the larger group rooms have whiteboards, computers, a television and a projector (varies by room).
Freshman Cora Hotchkiss has found the Academic Success Center to be great on-campus support for students.
“The campus has a lot of resources such as the Academic Success Center. I highly recommend finding any help that you can get and utilize it to the best of your ability,” Hotchkiss said.
The Academic Success Center offers learning assistance, meetings with an advisor and workshops. Time management, note taking skills, test taking strategies and reading comprehension are just a few of the workshops offered throughout the spring semester.
While finding studying habits that work for you is important, learning how to have balance is vital. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, “exercise is also considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and it can reduce stress. Studies show that it is very effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration and at enhancing overall cognitive function. This can be especially helpful when stress has depleted your energy or ability to concentrate.”
Hotchkiss believes engaging in physical and social activities has helped her immensely this semester.
“I do believe that physical activity is a good outlet for when you are stressed. If it’s nice outside I like to go for walks. If possible, getting out of my room to go hang out with people that I enjoy being around helps a lot too,” Hotchkiss said.
While workloads may be picking up, learning to navigate these challenges is important. Midterms and finals are always stressful times for students. Brockport knows this and does what it can to help students manage this workload and give them the tools to succeed inside and outside of the classroom.
