Happy week five and happy fall, Pioneers! We sincerely hope your semester has been going well. This time of year can be really stressful as we are sinking into our routines, filling our schedules and have midterms looming. To say that college is a lot would be an understatement, but we are here to let you know that you are strong, and we want to remind you to take care of yourself.

You are probably tired of us preaching the term “self-care,” but it is arguably the most important part of life. College makes it too easy to put self-care on the back burner.

You can change this. While you may not think it is possible to put one more thing on your plate, practicing self-care will make it easier to handle that long to-do list.

Exercising regularly is one thing that can benefit all of us. Physical activity helps release endorphins and dopamine in your brain, which often leads to a better mood. Take advantage of the fitness center, and take advantage of the warmer weather before it is gone for the season.

A simple solution to get you started could be taking the stairs to get to class instead of waiting for the elevator. Adequate rest is also important for your ability to work out and take care of your health. Sleeping at least eight hours a night in college is possible.

Another important factor of self-care is eating properly. Take advantage of the Pioneer Pantry and their fresh food pop-up events. Put eating on your to-do list if that makes you more likely to do it. Your body only produces what you put into it, and it is important to remind our- selves that once in a while.

Take advantage of the counseling center as well. There are resources available for you no matter if you live on campus or if you are a commuter. We want you to know that you can get through this. We all can get through this. We just need to remember to take care of ourselves and to take care of each other. And if you’re not at 100%, be kind to yourself still. You got this, Pioneers!