by Kelly Beischel PhD, RN, CNE

Baby, strong, nutrition,Walk down any hall in any college and you know the semester is nearing the end. Everyone is stressed! I don’t know about you but I find fall semester especially stressful as the holidays are mixed right in there.

In sports, we often allude to leaving it all on the finish line. But do we really want to leave it all on the fall semester finish line ? If we leave it all on the finish line then what will we have left over for our families or for preparing for the holidays? Instead, I propose we finish strong in mind, body, and spirit – with energy left over, to thrive.

These ten strategies might help you do just that.

1. In everything give thanks.

Yes, that even means giving thanks for being so busy. A smart woman once said to me, “You are torn in so many directions because you have so many choices. Be grateful that you have choices.”

2. Eat Right.

Eat foods that will nourish you and give you stamina to finish the semester strong. You know the old adage – “Garbage in. Garbage out.”

3. Record lessons.

If you’re like me and you wish you had more time to get a few last learning points across but are stressing that there are only a few days left, record those thoughts using audio recording software such as Audacity.

4. Move your body.

This is the first of many semesters that I have not succumbed to the “I am too busy to exercise” mantra. It’s working! I am busier than ever and yet I have more energy.

5. Do a good job.

A student once said to me “What is wrong with being a Type B student?” I was taken aback by that because I thought everyone wanted to be Type A, to strive for excellence in all things (and not rest until they collapse). Upon reflection, I realized she was quite wise. There are times when doing a good job, not striving for excellence, is most appropriate.

6. Just Say No!

Being Superwoman is overrated! Who said you have to do it all?

7. Be kind to yourself.

Are you doing the best you can with what you have? Not the best given more time or given the perfect situation or given a better teaching load. But right now, with what you have? My bet is yes! Give yourself a hug and move on.

8. Find inspiration.

I feel lighter when I listen to music, read good quotes, or write in my gratitude journal. Go do something that inspires you. See if I’m right.

9. Sleep.

It’s amazing how many times I think I have too much to do with the little time I have and after a good night’s sleep I get ‘er done.

10. Treat yourself.

I love massages, pedicures, candles, new music, flowers… (think Julie Andrews singing My Favorite Things.) I regularly treat myself to one of my “favorite things” and it lifts me right up.

The busy-ness of the holidays paired with wrapping up fall semester can be overwhelming. Reframing your thoughts and caring for yourself provides the necessary energy to not only survive but to thrive.