Between lectures, assignments, work and having a social life, eating well can sometimes become an afterthought. Sometimes you check the clock and realize all you’ve been running on is granola bars and coffee. Other times, cooking feels like an extra thing on your to-do list.

The good news is that eating well as a student doesn’t mean you have to be a Michelin-star chef or buy expensive groceries to eat well. Healthy eating is all about finding realistic ways to fuel yourself in a way that fits into your everyday life. Let’s make it a little easier.

Starting with the Basics

Being a busy student can make it easy to overthink what a “healthy” meal is supposed to look like. When putting a meal together, think about including a mix of protein, grains and fruits or vegetables along with some healthy fats. Having a mix in every meal can help make them more filling and give your body a variety of nutrients and energy to get you through your day. 

Think of it like an equation: protein + grains + fruits or veggies = a great place to start 

Remember! Frozen, canned or pre-cut foods count, there is nothing wrong with choosing the convenient option when you have a busy day.

Don’t Leave Home Without a Snack

Back-to-back classes? Long study sessions? Packing a snack can come in handy on busy days

Keeping snacks in your backpack can come in handy on those days you might need an extra boost of energy. Keeping easy snacks such as protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit can be lifesavers on busy days. 

Pro tip: pack snacks the night before, you will thank yourself in the morning!

Eating Well Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

Eating well as a student can sound intimidating, but nutritious food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Some more affordable grocery essentials include:

• Rice

• Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables

• Oats 

• Beans and legumes 

• Eggs 

These essentials can be used to create various meals that are both nutritious and filling. Buying foods you actually enjoy can reduce food waste, you don’t need to buy every “superfood” you see online. Focusing on foods that work for you, your budget and your schedule is important. 

Making Healthy Eating Easier

Let’s be real: after a long day of classes, studying or work, spending an hour to make dinner is probably the last thing you want to do after a long day. 

Making extra food when you cook is a great way to use leftovers the next day and reduce food waste. Keeping quick breakfast options such as overnight oats or smoothies around can make mornings easier.

There's No Perfect Way to Eat

 This is probably the most important part: you don’t have to eat “perfectly” to eat well. Some days you'll cook a balanced meal, and other days you'll grab takeout between classes or have pizza with friends. Everything fits!

Food is more than nutrition, it can be part of spending time with friends and family, celebrating, or just simply enjoying your favourite foods.

Need a Little Extra Support?

Sometimes eating well isn’t only  about finding the time to cook. Food costs can make it difficult to access the food you want, and you don’t have to deal with it alone. 

Lakehead students can access the LUSU Food Resource Centre (Thunder Bay)/ LUSU Food Resource Collective (Orillia) for food support. The LUSU Food Resource Centre in Thunder Bay  is located on the 5th floor of the University Centre. In Orillia, the LUSU Food Resources Collective has a food pantry, in room OA1027 on the first floor of Simcoe Hall.

Try This Week

Making small changes can lead to better eating habits, some things you can do include:

• Packing snacks before classes

• Adding a fruit or vegetable to a meal

• Keeping affordable staples at home for busy days

Healthy eating as a student isn’t about having perfect meals, it’s about finding realistic ways to take care of yourself while juggling other responsibilities as a student.

Dolce Sukhai, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

When someone says “physical activity,” I immediately picture a gym, running shoes and someone doing a workout that I definitely would not survive. 

But why does physical activity always need to look like that? 

As students, we’re constantly moving without really thinking about it. Speed-walking across campus because you’re running late. Carrying your backpack around all day. Taking the stairs because the elevator has a line of 15 people. Walking to get food with your friend and somehow turning a five-minute conversation into a 45-minute walk. 

We don’t really count these things as being active. But maybe we should.

That Walk to Class Actually Counts 

 Think about how much walking happens during a normal school day. 

You walk from your neighborhood or car or bus stop to campus, across the building to your next class, to grab food, to the library and then back again. By the end of the day, you’ve probably covered way more ground than you realized. 

Instead of always taking the shortest route, walk around campus between classes or go outside while you wait for your next lecture. Take a quick walk with a friend instead of sitting on your phone. 

Just don’t try this when you’re already five minutes late!

Your Study Break Needs a Makeover

Let's be honest, “taking a break from studying” usually means opening TikTok or YouTube and somehow losing 30 minutes. 

Your brain might be taking a break, but your body is still sitting in the exact same position. 

Next time, try something different. Stand up and stretch. Walk around the building. Go outside for ten minutes. Put on a song and have a completely unnecessary dance break. If you’re studying with friends, convince everyone to go for a quick walk. 

You might come back to your assignment feeling more refreshed.

Not Everything Has to Feel Like Exercise

 Some of the best ways to be active are things you actually want to do. 

Go skating with your friends. Ride your bike around the neighborhood, play soccer. Go swimming. Join an intramural. Walk a trail. Even having a snowball fight when winter hits counts as movement. 

At Lakehead, you can make use of the campus athletics spaces or connect with Lakehead Athletics and Recreation which provides a variety of opportunities for students across all three Lakehead campuses to get more active, so it’s worth checking out what options are available to you. 

You don’t have to be the most athletic person in the room. You just have to find something you enjoy.

 The Little Things Matter

You don’t need to wake up at 5 a.m., run 10 kilometres and spend an hour lifting weights to say you were active that day. 

Maybe today you walked to class, took the stairs, spent your lunch outside and went for a 20-minute walk with a friend. 

That counts. 

So tomorrow, try something different. Take the stairs. Walk to your next class. Ask a friend to go for a walk instead of sitting inside. Try an intramural or spend 20 minutes outside without your phone. 

Don’t wait for the perfect workout or the perfect schedule, start with one small choice to move a little more.

Tiana Mafukidze, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

A new academic year always feels like a fresh start. New classes, new schedules, new goals, and maybe a little bit of “wait, how am I supposed to balance all of this?”

Whether you’re starting university for the first time or returning for another year, getting back into that school routine can take some adjusting. As a student I’ve learned that preparing for the year is more than buying new school supplies or having your timetable scheduled. It is also about preparing yourself mentally and setting yourself up so that when things get busy you have a plan to fall back on.

Here are a few things that have helped me get my life in order before the new academic year:

Get organized before you actually need to be

One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until an assignment is due to figure out what’s going on in the class is probably holding you back from your full potential.

Before class gets too hectic, look through your syllabus and take note of assignments, tests and deadlines. I like to add these to my notion or in your calendar so I can physically see what my semester looks like. 

Take care of your mental health

A new semester comes with new responsibilities, new stress and new methods of keeping your mental health in check. 

Lakehead’s Student Health and Wellness offers counselling, health services and wellness programming. Learn more about services available and how to book an appointment on the Student Health and Wellness Website.

You don't have to wait until you are at your breaking point to reach out. Talking to someone early can prevent a stressful situation from becoming even harder.

Give yourself room to adjust 

This is the biggest thing for me. You don’t have to have it all figured out immediately. 

Your first week might not go exactly how you imagined, it may take a little longer for you to make a friend, understand a concept in one of your courses or you may feel homesick. 

That's okay.

Instead of expecting yourself to have a perfect semester, focus on making small improvements as you go. Go to office hours, adjust your habits, try something new and learn what actually works for you.

Remember that support is always available. If you’re struggling or just need someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to reach out to Lakehead’s wellness and student support resources.

Here’s to a fresh start and a great year ahead! 

 - Tiana Mafukidze, Peer Wellness Educator Lead

Navigating health care as a university student can be confusing, especially if you're doing it for the first time. At Lakehead, your access to health services depends on where you're from, what kind of health plan you have, and where you seek care.

Here’s what you need to know to stay on top of your health while you’re here.

What’s Covered and By Whom?

If you're a student from Ontario, you're likely familiar with OHIP- Ontario’s provincial health care plan. OHIP covers basic medical services like doctor and hospital visits, lab work, and surgery. However, it doesn’t include things like prescription drugs (outside of a hospital), dental care, or vision services.

What if you're from another province?

If you're a Canadian student from outside Ontario, your home province’s health plan will still cover you while you’re studying in Ontario, but it’s important to know what that includes. Most provincial plans will pay for essential medical care (like doctor or hospital visits), but you may be required to pay up front and seek reimbursement, depending on the service and provider.

To make things easier, it’s a good idea to:

• Bring your provincial health card to all appointments

• Know what’s covered in your plan while studying out of province.

• Consider supplementary insurance, especially for things like prescriptions, dental work, or vision care.

What about international students?

If you’re an international student, you’re automatically enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). This plan provides similar coverage to OHIP: doctor visits, emergency care, hospital stays, and more and is billed through your tuition. Still not sure what your coverage includes? You can visit uhip.ca or email uhip@lakeheadu.ca for help.

Supplementary Coverage: The LUSU Health and Dental Plan

Since provincial and international health plans don’t cover everything, most students also have access to supplementary insurance through the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU).

Undergraduate students registered in at least 3.75 FCEs for the fall and winter terms are automatically enrolled in the LUSU Health and Dental Plan, while graduate, international, and part-time students can opt in.

This plan helps with:

• Dental and vision care

• Prescriptions and eligible vaccines

• Mental health supports (like therapy or counselling)

• Services like chiropractic, massage, and physiotherapy

You can also access exclusive discounts through local providers. For more information or to opt in, visit lusu.ca/healthplan.

Where to Go When You're Sick

If you need medical care that isn’t urgent, your first stop should be Student Health and Wellness (SHW). Located right on campus, SHW offers by-appointment medical services that are available to all Lakehead students, whether full-time or part-time, domestic or international. You’ll be seen by a primary care provider such as a nurse, nurse practitioner (OR Campus), or a physician (TB Campus) who can address your needs. SHW can direct bill both OHIP and UHIP, so be sure to bring your health card. If you’re using another provincial plan, please bring your card with you and be prepared that you may need to pay up front. 

Need to be seen right away?

If SHW is closed or you need care sooner, you have a few options:

• Walk-in clinics and Urgent Care Clinics can often provide same-day care. These clinics are physician-led and covered by provincial health plans and UHIP, but billing practices vary. 

• Thunder Bay Urgent Care/Walk-in Clinics

• Orillia Walk-In Clinics

• Barrie Walk-In Clinics

• Pharmacists in Ontario can now assess and prescribe for a list of common minor ailments. Often, no appointment is needed, and you may be seen more quickly than at a clinic. However, pharmacy prescribing services are only fully covered for students with OHIP. International and out-of-province students may still access these services, but could be asked to pay up front and submit for reimbursement through UHIP or their home province’s plan. UHIP billing also varies between pharmacies, so it’s a good idea to ask before your assessment begins.

• For life-threatening or severe medical concerns, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 (8911 if you're on campus in TB or ext. 3912 in OR). Emergency services are covered under OHIP and UHIP, but again, some hospitals may not bill UHIP directly.

It’s always a good idea to carry your health card or UHIP card with you and to ask about billing upfront, especially if you’re an international or out-of-province student.

Understanding Wait Times in Canada

Health care in Canada is publicly funded, which means many services are free at the point of care, but it also means wait times can be longer, especially for non-urgent issues. On campus at SHW, you might have to wait a few days to get an appointment, especially during busy times of year. 

Still Have Questions?

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to go or what your coverage includes. That’s why SHW and LUSU are here to help you figure it out. Whether you’re booking an appointment, asking about what’s covered, or just looking for a nearby provider, someone can point you in the right direction.

You can also view the full Understanding Student Healthcare guide for more detailed information and links to helpful resources.

International Self-Care Day (July 24) is a reminder that taking care of yourself isn't something reserved for vacations or difficult days. Self-care is about the small, intentional choices you make to support your wellbeing every day.

One of the biggest misconceptions about self-care is that it has to look a certain way. Bubble baths, face masks, and expensive wellness products might work for some people, but they aren't the only options. The best self-care is personal. It's about finding activities that help you recharge, manage stress, and feel your best.

A simple way to build a self-care toolkit is to choose activities from five different areas of well-being. Having a variety of options means you can choose what you need based on how you're feeling and what your day looks like.

Physical

Physical self-care helps you care for your body and can improve your energy, sleep, and mood.

Ideas to try:

• Go for a walk between classes.

• Stretch for five minutes.

• Dance to your favourite playlist.

• Prepare a balanced meal or snack.

• Fill up your water bottle.

• Get outside for some fresh air.

• Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule.

• Try a new fitness class or recreational activity.

• Take movement breaks during long study sessions.

• Book a preventive health appointment if you've been putting it off.

Mental

Mental self-care supports your ability to focus, learn, and manage stress.

Ideas to try:

• Read a chapter of a book for fun.

• Listen to a podcast.

• Work on a puzzle or brain teaser.

• Learn a new skill or hobby.

• Organize your workspace.

• Break a large task into smaller, manageable steps.

• Turn off notifications while studying.

• Practice a short breathing or mindfulness exercise.

• Set one realistic goal for the day.

• Spend 10 minutes doing something creative.

Reflective

Reflective self-care helps you slow down, process your experiences, and reconnect with what matters to you.

Ideas to try:

• Journal about your day.

• Write down three things you're grateful for.

• Spend time in nature without distractions.

• Reflect on a recent success, no matter how small.

• Check in with yourself by asking, "What do I need today?"

• Practice meditation or quiet breathing.

• Write down your values and how you're living them.

• Create a vision board or list of future goals.

• Celebrate progress instead of striving for perfection.

• Let yourself rest without feeling guilty.

Emotional

Emotional self-care helps you recognize, express, and manage your emotions in healthy ways.

Ideas to try:

• Talk to someone you trust.

• Watch a movie that makes you laugh.

• Listen to music that matches or shifts your mood.

• Practice self-compassion when things don't go as planned.

• Give yourself permission to say no.

• Do something that brings you joy just because you enjoy it.

• Write about what's been on your mind.

• Reach out for professional support if you need it.

• Celebrate your accomplishments, big or small.

Social

Social self-care reminds us that connection is an important part of wellbeing.

Ideas to try:

• Text or call a friend or family member.

• Study with a classmate.

• Invite someone to grab coffee or lunch.

• Set healthy boundaries.

• Attend a campus event.

• Join a club or intramural team.

• Volunteer for a cause you care about.

• Spend time with people who make you feel supported.

• Check in on a friend.

• Plan a game night or movie night.

• Connect with an online community that shares your interests.

Your Toolkit, Your Way

Your self-care toolkit doesn't need to be complicated. Start by choosing one or two activities from each category that you genuinely enjoy. Write them down, save them in your phone, or create a checklist you can come back to when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Remember, different situations call for different tools. Some days you might need movement. Other days you might need connection, quiet time, or a good laugh. Building a toolkit now makes it easier to choose what you need when life gets busy.

This International Self-Care Day, challenge yourself to add one new strategy to your toolkit. Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference in your overall wellbeing.

Summer means patios, lake days, festivals, road trips, and spending as much time outside as possible. It also means stronger UV rays and more sun exposure: two major factors that increase your risk of skin damage and skin cancer over time.

If getting a glow is part of your summer vibe, you’re not alone. But a tan from the sun or tanning beds is actually a sign of skin damage. The good news? You don’t have to choose between protecting your skin and feeling confident.

And while some people may think sun safety only matters for lighter skin tones, UV damage can affect every skin tone. Skin cancer can develop in all skin types, and everyone benefits from protecting their skin from the sun.

Here’s how to enjoy summer, lower your risk, and still get the look you want.

What’s the Risk?

UV radiation from the sun (and tanning beds) can cause:

• Sunburns
• Premature aging, like wrinkles and dark spots
• Eye damage
• Increased risk of skin cancer

Even one blistering sunburn can increase future skin cancer risk, especially when it happens at a younger age.

Safer Ways to Get a Summer Glow

If bronzed skin is your goal, there are options that don’t involve UV damage:

• Self-Tanner. Lotions, mousses, drops, and sprays can create a temporary tan without sun exposure. Tips:
  • Exfoliate before applying
  • Moisturize dry areas like elbows and knees
  • Wash your hands after application
  • Build colour gradually for a more natural look
• Bronzing Makeup. Bronzer, tinted moisturizer, and body glow products can give instant colour for a night out, event, or beach day.
• Spray Tans. Professional spray tans can be a quick option if you want even coverage for a special occasion.

If You’re Going to Be in the Sun

You don’t need to stay indoors all summer. Sun safety is about reducing harm, not avoiding fun.

• Use Sunscreen Daily. Choose SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant if swimming or sweating. Reapply every two hours and after swimming.

• Time It Smarter. UV rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If possible, plan longer outdoor activities earlier or later in the day.

• Cover Up. Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing can make a big difference.

• Find shade. Especially during peak sun hours: under trees, umbrellas, or patios.

Confidence Looks Better Than a Sunburn

Trends come and go, but your skin is with you for life. Whether you choose SPF every day, a self-tan, or a little bronzer, protecting your skin now can pay off long-term.

This year's theme for CMHA Mental Health Week highlights something easy to overlook but essential to wellbeing: connection.

For post-secondary students, connection can feel complicated. You might be surrounded by people in lectures, living in residence, or part of a team and still feel disconnected. Or you might spend a lot of time on your own and feel completely at peace. Both experiences can be true.

What is loneliness, really?

Loneliness isn’t just being alone. It’s the distress we feel when there’s a gap between the connection we want and what we’re actually experiencing. That gap can show up in different ways:

• Moving away from home and missing your people
• Struggling to find “your group” on campus
• Feeling like everyone else has it figured out
• Losing connections that changed during or after the pandemic

Loneliness is a signal, not a failure. It points to a very human need: connection with others and with ourselves.

What does connection look like?

Connection is when we feel known, seen, understood, valued, remembered, and cared for. Sometimes it looks like deep friendships. Other times it’s smaller moments; chatting with a classmate, recognizing someone at the gym, or feeling part of a campus community even when you’re not physically there.

This sense of connection and community is often called belonging. that feeling of “my people, my place.”

Finding balance: Alone vs. Together

Student life often pushes two extremes: being constantly busy with others or feeling isolated. But both connection and solitude matter.

Healthy solitude
Time alone helps you recharge, reflect, and get to know yourself.

Healthy togetherness
Being with others in ways that feel supportive, real, and energizing.

On the flip side:

Toxic loneliness
When isolation starts to impact your mental health and makes it harder to reach out.

Overwhelming togetherness
Social time that feels draining, surface-level, or inauthentic.

The goal isn’t to always be social; it’s to find a balance that actually meets your needs.

Why connection can feel so hard

When we feel lonely, our instincts don’t always help us.

Instead of reaching out, we might:

• assume we’re the only one feeling this way
• feel embarrassed or ashamed
• keep busy to distract ourselves
• withdraw even more

Here’s the reality: many students are feeling the same thing at the same time, wanting connection, but unsure how to get there. Recognizing that pattern is the first step to changing it.

Small ways to move toward connection

Connection doesn’t have to mean a complete social overhaul. Start small and realistic:

• Sit beside the same person in class and say hi
• Join a low-pressure activity (even once)
• Message someone you’ve been meaning to reconnect with
• Attend a drop-in event instead of committing to a full program
• Spend intentional time alone doing something that actually restores you

Connection builds over time, often through repeated, everyday interactions.

Learn more

If you’re feeling disconnected, there are plenty of resources to explore

• TalkCampus, a 24/7 peer support app where you can connect with other students around the world in a safe, moderated space
• CMHA Mental Health Week resources and toolkits focused on connection and loneliness
• CICMH's Loneliness and Connection Infosheet
• Student Mental Health Network's Connection Tool Kit

If things feel disconnected right now, that doesn’t mean they always will. Connection can be built, rebuilt, and rediscovered, often in smaller ways than we expect.

Every day, the news delivers fresh images and headlines about climate-related disasters, so it’s no surprise that many people are growing increasingly anxious about the future of our planet. One of the most effective ways to work through those feelings is by taking action and connecting with others who care.

This Earth Day, here are a few ways to channel that energy into something tangible:

Take action, wherever you are

Visible, hands-on action creates an immediate sense of impact. Instead of feeling stuck in a global problem, you can see the difference you’re making in real time. Try joining a campus clean up or take part in one in your own community.

• Thunder Bay: April 22, 12–4 pm, Lake Tamblyn. Register here
• Orillia: April 22, Campus Clean up Event
• Not on campus? Organize a quick neighbourhood clean-up, pick up litter on your usual walk, or invite a friend to join you.

Connect through creativity and shared perspectives

Creative spaces give you a way to process complex emotions, feel less alone, and connect to a broader community working through similar concerns. Check out the Northwest Climate Gathering Artist Residency Opening Reception (2:30–3:30 pm at Thunder Bay Art Gallery) or engage with climate-focused art, writing, or media wherever you are.

Spend time in a positive, community-focused space

Positive, community-based experiences help counterbalance constant negative messaging and remind you what you’re working to protect. Find a local event, green space, or community gathering where you are.

• Thunder Bay:  Earth Day Celebration at Centennial Conservatory  (6–8 pm) with The Lorax, activities, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
• Orillia: Earth Day event (4–8 pm, Lakehead Orillia campus) featuring community booths, an Indigenous garden tour, hands-on workshops, seed giveaways, and plant-based food resources. Orillia’s event also highlights this year’s Earth Day theme, Conscious Consumption, with a focus on reducing waste and supporting food sovereignty. The evening film and discussion (6–8 pm) will explore local conservation and community action. Registration is required for the film portion, and Orillia Public Transit is free that day.

Small actions you can take anywhere

Climate anxiety is often rooted in feeling powerless. Small, consistent actions build a sense of control and agency, while connecting your values to your daily habits.

• Reduce your personal waste (reuse containers, skip single-use items)
• Walk, bike, or use transit when possible
• Eat more plant-based meals, even occasionally
• Support local or sustainable businesses
• Limit doomscrolling and seek out solution-focused climate stories

Keep it going at Lakehead (and beyond)

If you’re looking for ways to stay involved in the months ahead:

• Community Garden plots will be opening soon. You can email communitygarden@lakeheadu.ca to get a plot or volunteer
• Campus Beautification Days run throughout the summer and are always looking for volunteers to help weed and tend to campus spaces
• The Active Commute Challenge is happening in June
• Donate to, or volunteer with, Wolfie's Closet (TBay).  Clothes are accepted (year-round) in 4 locations, including the Sustainability Office, CASES 2004F. If you want to volunteer with Wolfie's Closet, email Rachel Portinga, Sustainability Coordinator, at rporting@lakeheadu.ca 
• To stay up to date on everything related to sustainability and climate action at Lakehead, sign up for Sustainability Leaders emails (about twice a month) and follow @lakeheadsustainability on Instagram

Taking action, especially alongside others, can help shift feelings of helplessness into a sense of purpose. It doesn’t have to be big to matter. Start where you are, with what you have.

When to reach out for more support

Taking action can help, but if feelings of anxiety or overwhelm are starting to affect your ability to focus, sleep, keep up with school, or connect with others, it might be time to reach out for additional support. Make an appointment with a Student Health and Wellness counsellor or use the WellU Key to navigate the resources available to you.

As the semester wraps up, it’s easy to fall into an all-study, no-self-care routine. But taking care of yourself isn’t a distraction from studying; it’s one of the most effective ways to stay focused, retain information, and manage stress. If you want to feel more energized and get the most out of your study time, start with the basics: sleep, food, movement, and breaks. Here are some practical tips to help you stay well during finals season.

Sleep Is Study Time (Seriously)

It might be tempting to stay up late to squeeze in more studying, but sleep is when your brain actually processes and stores what you’ve learned. Skipping sleep can make it harder to concentrate, recall information, and think clearly. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep when you can. You’ll likely get more out of a well-rested study session than a tired one.

Check In With Your Body

Your body gives you cues about what you need, especially during long study sessions. If you’re hungry, try a snack with a mix of nutrients like fruit and nuts or yogurt and granola. If you’re thirsty, keep water nearby and balance coffee with hydration. If your energy is low or you’re feeling restless, take a short walk, stretch, or step away for a few minutes. Staying in tune with these signals can help you study more effectively and feel better overall.

Build Balanced Meals

Eating regularly throughout the day helps keep your energy steady. Aim for meals that include a mix of protein, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. There’s no “perfect” way to eat: focus on what works for your schedule, budget, and preferences.

Be Mindful with Caffeine and Sugar

Caffeine and sugary snacks can feel like quick fixes, but they often lead to energy crashes. Try pairing them with more sustaining options like nuts, seeds, or fruit to help keep your energy levels more stable throughout the day.

Make Food Easy

When time is tight, having food ready to go can make a big difference. Cooking larger portions of meals like soups, pasta, or stir-fries, prepping snacks ahead of time, and keeping quick options on hand can make it easier to stay nourished during busy study days.

Move Your Body (Your Brain Will Thank You)

Physical activity isn’t just good for your body, it can help improve focus, boost your mood, and reduce stress. This doesn’t have to mean a full workout. A quick walk around campus, stretching between study blocks, or a short workout or yoga session at home can all help you reset and refocus.

Take Breaks You Actually Enjoy

Breaks aren’t wasted time—they help you recharge. Whether it’s watching an episode of a show, calling a friend, baking, or just relaxing, give yourself permission to step away and reset. Setting a loose time limit can help you enjoy the break without losing momentum.

You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Even small changes like drinking more water, getting a bit more sleep, or taking a real break can make a noticeable difference. Taking care of yourself is part of doing well.

There is a point towards the end of the semester when things start to feel a lot heavier. That midterm daze is just leaving, deadlines are piling up, and motivation is starting to get harder to find. For many students, myself included, it is also when self-doubt starts to creep in. You may find yourself questioning your abilities, your program, or even what your future holds. If that’s where you are right now, you’re definitely not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. 

Why This Time of the Semester Feels So Hard

Towards the end of the semester, the initial motivation you once had at the beginning of the semester may have worn off; I know mine has. At the same time, academic pressure grows. You’re balancing multiple deadlines, possibly a job, and trying to keep up with everything else in your life. Winter and colder weather can make this even harder. Less daylight, colder weather, and long stretches indoors can impact your energy and mood. 

What Self-Doubt Can Look Like

Self-doubt doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. 

It can sound like:

• “I feel like I’m good enough for this program.”

• “Everyone else seems to understand this except me.”

• “I’m falling behind, and I can’t catch up.”

• “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”

These thoughts can feel very real in the moment, but they are often shaped by your stress and exhaustion rather than what is really going on. 

You’re Not Alone

It can seem like everyone else has it together, especially towards the end of the year. But most students are dealing with the same stress, even if you may not see that side. Struggling at this point in the semester is so common! It doesn’t mean you’re incapable; it means you’re in a demanding environment and doing your best to manage it. 

Personal Note: Facing the End of My Degree

As someone who is hopefully graduating at the end of this year, I’ve been feeling so many different pressures alongside the usual end-of-semester stress. I feel excited about being done, but I also feel a lot of uncertainty. I have so many questions about what comes next for me: jobs, teachers' college, moving, and whether I’m ready for the next chapter in my life. Even after all these years of school, moving across the province (not that far, really), you’d think I would have it all figured out, but I don’t. If you’re also approaching a big change or transition, it is more than okay to feel unsure. Reaching the end of something doesn’t mean you suddenly have all the answers. 

Ways to Manage Self-Doubt

You don’t have to completely eliminate self-doubt, but you can learn how to respond to it. 

• Focus on what you can control.

• Instead of thinking about everything at once, break your work into smaller tasks. 

• Talk back to negative thoughts. 

• When you catch yourself thinking “I can’t do this,” try to challenge it! Ask yourself what evidence you actually have. Often, you have gotten through similar situations before and can do it again!

• Avoid comparisons. 

• Comparing yourself to others can make self-doubt worse. Everyone is working through different challenges, even if you can’t see it. 

• Take care of basic needs. 

• Sleep, food, and movement may seem small, but they have a big impact on how you think and feel. When these are off, self-doubt tends to increase. 

When to Reach Out

If self-doubt is turning into constant stress, anxiety, or feeling stuck, it may help to talk to someone about it. 

• A friend or peer who understands student life 

• A professor or academic advisor

• Student Health and Wellness

Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re struggling more than others; it means you’re taking care of yourself. 

End of the semester is a challenging time, and questioning yourself can just be part of that experience. But those thoughts do not define your ability or your future. You’ve made it this far for a reason! Whether you’re in your first year or in your last year, it’s okay to not have everything figured out. What matters is continuing to show up, even when it feels difficult. This moment is temporary! The progress you’re making, even if it doesn’t feel like it, is real. 

 -Kayla McAdam, Peer Wellness Educator Lead