By Amanda Marvel
Marsha Hall and Anthony Robinson studying in the Wilkens Library. (Amanda Marvel)
Cape Cod Community College’s fall semester is in full swing, and students are immersed in their academics. Long hours in the classroom, homework, and work obligations can make it challenging to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Cheryl Kramer, a wellness coach at the 4Cs Student Wellness Center, offers several tips for finding and maintaining that balance.
“First, get a good night’s sleep, eat healthy, and get some exercise,” Kramer says. “Moving and getting fresh air clears the cobwebs out of the brain and helps us focus.”
She emphasizes the importance of organization, whether through a traditional paper calendar or a modern smartphone.
“I’m a big fan of organization because we all need that,” Kramer says, recommending color-coding to separate school and personal commitments.
For students struggling to maintain a social life amid their busy schedules, Kramer advises prioritizing responsibilities.
“As much as I want to do what I’ve always done, I really need to scale back while I’m in school,” she says students should say to themselves.
Practicing self-care is also crucial. Kramer suggests carving out time for enjoyable activities every other weekend, even if it’s just a small amount.
“There’s a lot to do that doesn’t have to be expensive,” she says. “Consider picnics with friends or taking walks in one of the many cranberry bogs in the area during cranberry season. You can still have a special time.”