WRITER ELIANA MEYERSON
Whether you are a student, a parent, or somewhere in between, back-to-school season often feels
like organized chaos disguised as a fresh start. It’s as if life is hitting “restart” on a fast-moving
treadmill that never actually pauses. The rush of new schedules, supply lists, group chats, and
emotional goodbyes (especially if you’re sending a child off to college) can leave everyone
feeling overwhelmed. But, beneath the hustle, the start of the fall semester offers a quiet chance
to pause and check in with yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Even if you’re excited about what’s ahead, you might arrive on campus feeling stretched thin or
already behind before settling in. I’ve been there every August since freshman year. Now, as a
senior, I’ve learned that preparing for the new school year isn’t just about buying your textbooks
or planners, it’s about preparing yourself. This means more than setting goals or chasing
productivity. It means paying attention to your whole self, checking in with your thoughts,
fueling your body intentionally, and creating space to recharge your spirit.
College life pulls you in countless directions—assignments pile up, jobs demand your attention,
and there’s constant pressure to be “doing enough” just to fit in. Everyone seems to juggle it all
effortlessly, making you feel like you’re falling behind if you slow down. You wake up tired, run
on caffeine and adrenaline, and crash too late, only to repeat the cycle. College isn’t just classes
and coffee, with the occasional fun time. It’s a full balancing act of academic pressure, social
expectations, work shifts, family updates, and the quiet weight of trying to look like you’ve got it
all together. Some days it’s thrilling; others, overwhelming.
What I’ve learned is this: being okay doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It means knowing
when to slow down, reset, and care for yourself in ways that truly support your mind, body, and
spirit. Here are some doable ways to stay grounded:
- Build boundaries. Say no to events or people who drain you. Protect your energy.
- Check in weekly. Ask yourself: How do I feel? What do I need? Rest, movement, alone
time, etc.?
- Create a calming space. Let your room be a soft place to land, not stress.
- Reach out. Vent to friends, text family, or talk to a counselor. Connections and having a
support system are powerful.
- Schedule joy. Plan weekly doses of fun, walks, movies, and meals with friends. Don’t
wait until you’re burned out.
You’re not a machine, although it may feel like it, you’re a whole person. College challenges
you, but it shouldn’t erase you. Staying okay doesn’t require perfection, just your presence. And
presence starts with choosing to slow down, listen inward, and care for yourself because you
matter.
Eliana Meyerson, from Cornelius, is a rising senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, studying journalism and electronic media. She writes for The Daily Beacon and plans to attend law school after graduating in May 2026. Eliana is also an active member of Alpha Chi Omega.
