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Mid-terms are over and finals are soon approaching. The mid-semester break between the two testing campaigns can be stress inducing for students, but some Illinois State students like Nathan Knutsen have learned how to manage it. Staying close to friends and loved ones can be a key aspect in remaining grounded to avoid a burnout.

“Honestly I’m feeling pretty okay. I feel like usually halfway is when everyone starts getting stressed out, but I think where we are at right now, it’s not too bad,” said Knutsen. “When I start to burnout, I feel like just surrounding yourself with a good friend group and good social group, just to get a break from all the school work, helps you balance it.”

Other students, like Chase Garner, think planning ahead and having a structured schedule is the best way to reduce stress during this time of year.

“I would say play your days, have a tracker of all your homework stuff,” said Garner. “Get it done as early as you can, that way you can go out and have fun so you’re not feeling so burnt out.”

ISU offers a variety of resources to help students dealing with stress. Student counseling services are available, along with the free self-help app, Well Track Boost. The Student Wellness Center is also offering stress management classes for students.

TV-10s Nathan Cihak reports that he Bone Center and Milner Library remain safe spaces for students to unwind and get work done.

“Students here at the Bone Student Center and Milner Library say they’re definitely feeling the mid-semester stress, but most say they’re managing it well,” said Cihak. “Using these spaces for studying, homework, and even a little stress relief.”

This point in the semester is about winding down and finding healthy ways to cope with the stress while being a student.