As the semester reaches its midpoint, students often begin to feel the pressures of academic demands, extracurricular commitments, and social responsibilities. It’s a natural time for parents and educators to pause, reflect, and check in on students’ overall well-being.  Dr. Jeph shares insights on recognizing signs of stress, maintaining emotional balance, and fostering healthy daily routines that support resilience and growth.

How can students manage mid-semester stress and avoid burnout?

Concentrate on the foundational elements of self care:  sufficient sleep, regular exercise and (mostly) nutritious food.  It’s also important to do some things that are pleasurable/restorative (i.e. listening to music, spending time with close friends and family, looking at art, reading for pleasure, attending performances, etc.)

What are some early signs that a student might be struggling emotionally or mentally?

If a student is struggling to accomplish activities they used to do easily, seems to be sleeping significantly more or less than usual, demonstrates changes in appetite, exhibits changes in mood.

How can parents or educators best support open communication about mental health?

Make it clear that counseling and other options are accepted and can be a reasonable part of maintaining ongoing mental health.

What role does balance play between academics, social life, and downtime during the semester?

The key to most things is moderation, such that any one of these activities does not overshadow all the others.

What small daily practices can help students stay emotionally grounded and resilient?

• Check in with yourself about how you are feeling

• Make sure that you are taking good care of yourself.

• Give yourself credit for the things you accomplish.

• 4 tips that promote mindfulness, gratitude, sleep hygiene, or positive coping tools

• Take a few minutes every day to review how things are going.

• Give yourself credit for what you have accomplished.

• Turn off all screens approximately 30 minutes before lights out so that your brain can spin down and prepare for sleep.

• Think about how you would like to approach upcoming tasks and challenges.

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Mid-semester can be both a challenge and an opportunity — a moment to recalibrate, reinforce healthy habits, and open conversations that strengthen emotional well-being. As Dr. Tausig reminds us, small, intentional steps toward balance and self-awareness can have a lasting impact on a student’s confidence and success. By encouraging honest dialogue and supporting practical routines of care, parents and educators can help students not only manage the semester but thrive through it.