Student Affairs

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint – How to have the stamina you need to finish the semester strong

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We’re almost halfway there! Spring Break is just around the corner, and the time change is a reminder that the days are going to be warmer and longer. Consider the best ways to recharge and reconnect with yourself over break to maintain the stamina needed to finish the semester successfully.

Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Try to stay relaxed and focused as you take those strides towards the finish line. Set goals, plan ahead and prepare well in advance for finals. Time to rest and recharge is just as important as time spent studying or at work. Consider the ways you feel most comfortable engaging in self-care, and schedule them, whether indoors or outdoors: a walk or run, fitness classes, hiking, video games, socializing with friends, a night at the movies, video chatting with far away family and friends. Consider various events happening on and off campus that may interest you.

The following are two quick techniques that can be used at any time or place when you are feeling in-the-moment stress.

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Box Breathing: 

  1. Breathe in, counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs.
  2. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Try to avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 seconds.
  3. Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
  4. Hold your breath for 4 seconds.

Repeat 2-4 cycles until you feel more centered.

The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique:

  1. Name 5 things you can see
  2. Name 4 things you can touch
  3. Name 3 things you can hear
  4. Name 2 things you can smell
  5. Name 1 thing you can taste

This routine will help ground you back into your body in the present moment.

Resources

Here is a brief list of resources available to Clemson students that can help you manage stress:

If you would like assistance in determining the best ways to manage stress, consider contacting Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). First-time appointments can be made during business hours by calling 864-656-2451.

In crisis?

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm to self or others, contact emergency services and get help – call 911 or the Clemson University Police Department at 864-656-2222.

If you or someone you know needs real-time crisis support, an after-hours counselor can be reached by calling CAPS at 864-656-2451 and selecting option 2 from the menu.

Call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential crisis support through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Other on-campus resources include: