The first week back on campus is a whirlwind; moving in, new classes, and wondering how in the world to manage the coming semester’s homework load.

The second week on campus is certainly a high point for many, because it is all about social life.

College graduates and current students alike will agree on the importance of joining student organizations to meet people and make new friends.

Putting energy into something you love is a good way to enjoy yourself after a long day of classes and homework, even if it involves physical work.

However, while an active social life is important, taking care not to overschedule is equally so.

Gustavus is home to many brilliant organizations and it is understandable how challenging it can be for some people not to sign up for a handful of them while walking through the Involvement Fair.

Before jumping headfirst into an overfilled schedule however, step back and analyze the activities you’ve chosen.

Is it equally important to you to join the rugby team, student senate, Odyssey, and Big Partner Little Partner?

What about each of these groups interested you and which ones would you be able to survive without.

This applies to school-run programs as well, like theater, music ensemble and lessons, and sports teams.

We talk ourselves into believing a certain group won’t survive without our presence but chances are, if it was already an organization before you joined, the remaining members won’t have a problem adjusting to your absence.

Remembering that everyone graduates one day is also good to keep in mind, as each organization will eventually have to learn how to move forward with each absence and each new recruit.

The reason so many student organizations are able to continue from year is due to a combination of their popularity and the students’ passion for what they’re doing.

It is okay to not be busy all day, every day.

It’s actually much healthier to take some time to yourself and relax at least several times a week.

These quiet moments recharge an exhausted mind and are not, as some think, a waste of time.

Take a walk in the Arb or watch an episode of a favorite television show.

We are incredibly lucky to live on such a beautiful campus, take this time to look around and admire the thousands of flowers and greenery adorning it.

During the winter months, curl up with a good book and turn on soothing music.

It’s never too late to dial back on a busy schedule.

A few moments of silence can prepare any exhausted persons to attack the remainder of the day.

Taking care not to overexert yourself is the first step towards educational success.

Don’t use every free moment to study because your brain retains information far better with occasional breaks and it will feel less like you crammed an entire textbook in your head.

No matter what your study habits are, always leave time to mentally recharge, because the human body will not work properly without the right care.

Don’t use every free moment to study because your brain retains information far better with occasional breaks and it will feel less like you crammed an entire textbook into your head.

Stretch any tight muscles that may have accumulated from sitting for long hours at a time, it keeps your body flexible, strong and healthy.

Walking from one end of campus to the other is an easy way of loosening them and enjoying some fresh air.

Knowing how to manage your time is a useful tool to take into the adult world long after graduation.

Those who leave moments each week open will not only find themselves less stressed, but will have a happier outlook on life.

Opening a pocket of time will allow you to notice smaller, significant, details about the world that are normally passed by.

They also prove necessary when unexpected events happen, such as technological breakdowns with a computer or vehicle.

With a full schedule, there is no to time fix those bumps along the college road, which sometimes result in an eventual crash.

It’s common to forget what moments like these can mean in the long term.

Don’t feel as though you need to prove yourself by pushing too hard; there is no prize for exhausting yourself physically and mentally.

The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, remember to take a moment to yourself and just breathe.