College life is both exhilarating and exhausting, giving young adults a place to encounter new experiences and freedoms. Between juggling a social life, financial responsibilities, cooking, cleaning and coursework, it seems like tasks are never ending—leaving well-being last on the list.
One secret to a positive college experience is finding balance between responsibilities and physical and mental health through self-care. Wellness is a non-negotiable—it allows you to wake up each day with a glass half full.
Mental health is not just about avoiding burnout or managing stress—it’s about building resilience when hard times come. One way to support your mind is through mindfulness, allowing yourself a few minutes to breathe, meditate and reflect can keep you focused on your day ahead.
Kent State of Well-being encourages this practice through Wellness Wednesdays. “Wellness Wednesdays are a good way for students to connect with us and begin to think about their health in a different manner. Also, they [include] fun activities and something positive to do on your weeknight,” Coordinator of Student Health and Well-being Matthew J. Jones says.
For many students, balance comes down to managing time and priorities. “I have all my classes, work hours, and events planned out on Google Calendar, including when I go to the gym … [I try] my best not to overwork myself either. I used to get FOMO in undergrad when I rejected plans, but I recognize now that … if your friends get mad at you for that, then it’s not a friendship worth keeping,” Aimée Flores, a clinical mental health counseling graduate student, says.
Jones shared that students often struggle with stress, time management and breaking bad habits. To guide them, Kent State of Well-being uses the 8 Dimensions of Wellness model, covering physical, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, financial, occupational and intellectual health.
“The idea is that we should embark on a personal wellness journey to find the best balance across these 8 Dimensions striving to be in the best spot, physically and mentally, so that we can thrive,” Jones says.
Flores also says that some of the biggest mental health struggles on campus are financial.
“We like to pretend that college students are immune from responsibilities that someone with a stable 9-5 job would face, but the reality at Kent State is that [many] students are affected by at least some sort of focus on finances. When it isn’t an imminent threat, it is in the form of debt that will take years to pay off. Finances affect so many other factors, too—finding stable relationships, sense of belonging, time management.”
Managing digital life is another part of wellness. “Social media makes me feel guilty when I spend too much time on it… I actually deleted Instagram from my phone because it was eating at my time this semester. I’m still logged into it on my computer, so I’m thankful that my social media is pretty curated to a mix of news, music, and things that make me laugh,” Flores says.
Social connection is equally vital. “Offering positive ways for students to engage and find a sense of belonging at Kent State is a crucial aspect of Kent State’s overall Mental Health initiatives.” Flores says.
“Being around my friends is what makes me the happiest, so I plan my study goals and routines around making plans with people. It motivates me to be productive,” Jones says.
“Well-being is defined as the optimal and dynamic state that allows an individual to reach their full potential,” Jones says.
Whether it’s planning with calendars, setting boundaries, joining campus events, or finding peace and quiet, making health and wellness a priority in college creates a foundation for success.
Lindsay Collier is a writer. Contact her @[email protected].
