by Katie Wilson

As midterm season ramps up, University of Maryland students are finding ways to unwind and deal with the stress that tests and projects can bring. 

John Boncore, a junior economics major, went to the Memorial Chapel’s “Wind Down Wednesday,” inviting students to relax in the chapel garden and listen to a live musician. 

“I feel like a lot of my life has revolved around just doing homework and going to classes. I have a lot less time for the things that I love to do,” Boncore said. He said he tries to take breaks and remind himself that he will get through this stressful time. 

Lynsey Hildebrand, a junior elementary education major, destresses by taking breaks from school work by hanging out with her friends and watching movies. 

“I like to just make sure I find a time to balance studying and making sure I do things for my mental health and spending time with friends,” said Hildebrand. 

Professionals agree that breaks are important.

​​”It’s easy to say that we don’t have time to do self-care,” Leslie Krafft, the program manager for TerrapinSTRONG, said. “But realizing the amount of time we lose being stressed out, it can actually be really worth it.”

Theodore Pickett Jr., the Counseling Center’s associate director, agreed. 

“I think the opportunity to sort of either time to sort of reflect, distract, time or engage other things that are pleasurable are very important,” he said. 

Events like the one at the Chapel and others last week are important, Pickett said, because students are encouraged to engage in activities that promote mental wellness. Students can also access the university’s Counseling Center, which provides both individual and group therapy and is staffed by licensed therapists.

“If you feel stressed out just always remind yourself that you’ve always gotten through this and you’ll get through it again,” Boncore said. 

Featured image: A stand in the Mckeldin Mall encourages students to think about what gives them hope, Friday, October 7, 2022. Photo by Katie Wilson.