Published: October 22, 2009

This time of year is often difficult. Summer has segued into a soggy, windy fall, midterms seem to be lingering for weeks on end and registration is around the corner. All of this is enough to deal with on its own, and any extra stress can be too much to handle. This semester has been especially tough for many students at Fordham, including us at the Observer. Whether your personal problems include reduced funds due to the economy or swine flu frenzy-induced hypochondria, we all seem to be struggling a little more than usual this year with the burdens we have to bear. As Rucha Desai’s page 20 article, “Free Poundage: Suffering from Catholic Charity,” points out, the stress can manifest itself in numerous ways, including attempts to eat your sorrows away.

But by being aware of the troubles this semester has brought, we can take comfort in the fact that we are not alone and we can get through it together. It is imperative that we take care of our emotional and physical selves. Now that we are entering an especially dangerous flu season, it is more important than ever that we keep up our immune systems, which can be easily worn down by excess stress. Even though co-opinion editors Liz Bowen and Ashley Tedesco poke fun at the impossibility of staying healthy while keeping up with all the responsibilities of a college student in their article on page 10, “Healthy Habits for College Student Life and Why We Can’t Stick to Them,” it is seriously important to get enough sleep and take time to relax as much as possible.

Between classes, internships, work and whatever else, take a breather.  Even a few moments of deep, slow breathing can allow for a clearer mind.  Try to find time to laugh. It relaxes your muscles and sends endorphins to your brain. Make yourself take a half hour to do nothing but watch trashy T.V. or stalk people on Facebook. Midterms will end. The semester will eventually come to a close, and we’ll get the fresh start of spring semester, with warm weather to look forward to.

Keep in mind that you are not alone. And sometimes, the best way to make yourself feel better is to lend a helping hand to others around who could use a friend. Taking time to listen to others not only lets them release some pent up stress, but it also might help you put your own worries into perspective. You can help others on a grander scale by participating in Service and Justice Day on Oct. 24; even a small contribution can make a big difference, and it always feels good to volunteer some time to those less fortunate than yourself.

Cut yourself a break.  None of us are perfect and we all feel overwhelmed from time to time.  Luckily, we have a holiday of candy and pretending to someone else coming up.  Be safe and focus on fun next weekend. Have a happy Halloween!