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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Rutgers chapter.

It’s going to take quite some adjusting in order to get through the rest of the semester. Panic from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 has added more stress to the lives of college students everywhere and it feels like we’ll never be able to leave the house. Don’t worry, you’re going to get through it. We are all going to get through it. We just need a bit of motivation, some adjustments to our routine and to make our health our number one priority.

Change Your Schedule

Feeling like every day is the same and the only thing that’s changing is your outfit? Switch it up. Try a new recipe, call up a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while or spend some time in your backyard. Doing this helps to not only give yourself a mental break with your academics, but it helps you to enjoy your time at home.

Focus On Your Health

Busy days and sleepless nights can leave our body an absolute mess. From a malnutritious diet to a serious lack of hydration, it is so important to make our bodies our number one priority. If you find yourself in the same habit of snacking on unhealthy foods, try researching some alternatives. Cut up some fresh fruit, cook a new recipe or find a new spot to eat lunch that’s yummy and nutritious. That way, your energy will soar through the roof, and you might even find yourself becoming a foodie! You also need to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day – without it, your body cannot function efficiently and you may find yourself wanting to nap more instead of being more productive.

Organize Yourself

Head all over the place? Been there, done that. Planning your days ahead makes it much easier to tackle any upcoming assignments and exams. Buy a new calendar or whiteboard so that you can see your day from a visual standpoint instead of it cluttering your head. I like to use my phone’s calendar and reminder apps because I can set alerts when something needs to be done. It also helps you to look forward to any exciting plans you’ve made with friends and family, and you can then make sure that your schedule is free of any schoolwork in order to enjoy yourself to the fullest.

Sleep!

College students constantly underestimate how much sleep they need to get. From pulling all nighters to waking up early and cramming in some studying before a test (not recommended at all, trust me), you may find yourself running on empty and needing a few naps per day to keep yourself going. Try creating a new sleep schedule that allows you to get approximately 8 hours per night. I know this isn’t always possible, but the healthier your sleep schedule is, the more your body will thank you for it. You’ll have more energy, better moods, and even better organizational skills. Not to mention it will keep your immune system at its strongest. Get some rest, you deserve it!

I am very acquainted with how difficult it is to finish the semester strong, especially with the outbreak of the COVID-19 disease. But with a healthier mind, body and spirit, I can guarantee that you’ll be able to knock the rest of the school year out of the park with a clear head and a newfound attitude. I wish you all the best of luck with your spring semester endeavors!

To keep updated about staying safe during the pandemic, make sure to read advice from both the CDC and the WHO.

Élise Breton-Jones is a junior at Rutgers University-New Brunswick pursuing a degree in Journalism and Media Studies with a minor in Sociology. Born and raised in London, she adores travelling, working with animals and finding new spots to eat in New York City that accompany her vegan diet. Her passions involve - but are certainly not limited to - social justice, boba and browsing Twitter.
Cassidy hails from Delaware County, Pennsylvania and is an undergraduate Journalism and Media Studies major and Psychology minor at Rutgers University with a passion for telling stories. She is the current Co-Campus Correspondent for Her Campus Rutgers.