TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

OLIVIA FOSTER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hello, and thank you for picking up this issue of the Trumpet. 

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed high stress levels across campus. Everywhere I go, from classes to meetings, to hanging out with friends, it seems like burnout is inescapable. 

Similarly to many other people on campus, I have not been impervious to the negative impacts of stress. With four jobs and a full course load, I often feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done and also have time for myself. 

However, I also think that something positive has come from the campus-wide burnout. I have noticed important conversations about mental health being ignited by the heightened stress levels.

In my classes and with friends, talks about how we can support each other have taken place more often than in my previous years at Wartburg. 

Being able to have honest and open discussions about stress with people who are feeling similarly has helped me deal with the burnout that I’m feeling this semester. Acknowledging the stress and then moving on to realize what I can do about it has been beneficial for me during these conversations. 

Even though burnout often feels all-consuming, forcing myself to take a step back and do something fun or relaxing every day has drastically improved my stress levels. 

It’s the little things like playing with my suitemate’s cat, taking a sunrise walk, or reorganizing my room that have helped me feel rejuvenated during stressful times.

I encourage you to take a break if you are experiencing burnout. Slow down and take care of yourself. Do something just because you want to, not because you have to.