Surviving (and Thriving) During Midterms: How to Balance Mental Health & Academics

Balancing Mental Health & Academics

As mid-terms approach, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Deadlines stack up, coursework intensifies, and the pressure to perform can feel exhausting. Juggling assignments, studying for exams, balancing work and personal life––whatever the challenge, managing stress is essential for both academic success and overall well-being.

Beyond coursework, students face a range of additional pressures—financial concerns, job responsibilities, family obligations, or adjusting to life in a new country. For international students, the experience can come with unique challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and being far from home.

The good news? Small, daily habits can help you regain balance and stay in control. These strategies from LaSalle College Montréal’s Psychosocial Services Team are designed to help you manage stress, maintain focus, and take care of your mental health—especially during high-pressure times like mid-terms.

1. Establish a Routine to Stay Balanced

A steady routine provides structure, reduces stress, and helps maintain focus—especially during busy academic periods.

💡 How to create a routine that works for you:

• ✅ Set regular sleep and wake times to keep your energy levels stable.
• ✅ Plan study sessions, breaks, and downtime to avoid burnout.
• ✅ Leave room for flexibility—structured spontaneity can help prevent stress.

External pressures can also disrupt your routine:

• Heavy workloads → It’s easy to prioritize studying over self-care, but balance is key.
• Part-time jobs & financial stress → Many students juggle work alongside academics, making time management crucial.
• International students → Adapting to a new academic system, language, and social environment can add extra pressure.

🔑 The key? Finding a daily rhythm that supports your academic workload and personal well-being.

2. Use Campus Mental Health Resources

You don’t have to go through mid-terms alone. Reaching out early can make a big difference.

At LCI Education institutions, learners have access to:

• Psychosocial Support & Adapted Services – Speak with a counselor or get connected to external resources.
• Guidance Counselors & Career Services – Get academic and career advice.
• Wellness Days (First Wednesday of every month) – Participate in activities that promote well-being.
• Study support services – Improve academic performance with guidance and support.

🌎 No matter where you study:

📍 Check what mental health services your school offers—many have online counseling, peer support groups, or academic coaching.

📍 Ask for help before you’re in crisis. You don’t have to be struggling to seek support, and you never have to wait to reach out. The best time to ask for help is the first time you think about it. Any other time is also the best time. 😊

3. Practice Mindfulness & Stress-Reduction Techniques

Stress is a normal part of college life. Managing it well can prevent burnout and improve concentration.

💡 Try these simple techniques:

• 🧘‍♂️ Mindful breathing → Close your eyes, inhale deeply, and exhale slowly for 5–10 minutes.
• 👣 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding → When overwhelmed, name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.
• 🌙 Body scan relaxation → Lie down and mentally scan your body, releasing tension from head to toe.
• 📝 Journaling → Take 10–15 minutes to reflect on your day and write down what you’re grateful for.
• 📱 Guided meditation → Use apps or YouTube videos for relaxation and self-compassion exercises.
• 🎨 Engage in enjoyable activities → Sports, hobbies, or creative outlets can help improve your mood.

🔑 The goal isn’t to eliminate stress completely—it’s to manage it in a way that helps you stay focused and feel more in control.

4. Understanding Additional Pressures Students Face

Mid-terms aren’t the only source of stress for students. Many learners balance academic responsibilities with personal, financial, and social pressures.

Common stressors learners face:

• 💰 Financial pressures → Tuition, living costs, and part-time work can add extra strain.
• ⌛ Time management struggles → Juggling classes, work, and personal life requires strong organizational skills.
• 🌍 Challenges for international students → Adjusting to a new education system, learning in a second language, and adapting to a different culture can feel overwhelming.
• 🏠 Family & personal responsibilities → Many students have caregiving duties, household obligations, or external commitments that compete for their time and energy.

How to manage external pressures:

• Set realistic goals → Focus on progress, not perfection.
• Ask for academic or financial advice → Career and student services can help with planning and resources.
• Connect with other students → Study groups and peer networks can provide both academic and emotional support.
• Prioritize self-care → Taking breaks and making time for yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.

🔑 Recognizing your unique challenges is the first step to finding solutions that work for you.

5. Build a Support Network & Stay Connected

Having a strong support system makes managing stress easier. Staying engaged—whether online or in person—can help you navigate academic pressure.

💡 Ways to strengthen your support system:

• 🤝 Join student clubs & organizations → Groups such as LaSalle College Montréal’s Student Association (AGEL) often host activities to help students connect.
• 🎉 Attend campus events → Workshops, seminars, and social gatherings build community.
• 📖 Form study groups → Learning with peers can boost motivation and accountability.
• 📚 Connect with faculty & mentors → Office hours are a great way to seek guidance.
• 🌍 Use online platforms → Facebook and Instagram groups can help you meet like-minded people.
• 🍵 Make time for social activities → Plan coffee dates, game nights, or meals with friends.

📍 Even if you’re studying in a different region or remotely:

• Stay in touch with family and friends through video calls and messages.
• Join student networks that align with your interests.
• Share updates asynchronously through voice notes or texts when time zones make it tough.

🔑 Your support system—big or small—can make a huge difference in how you handle stress.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Mid-term stress is real, but you have the tools to manage it.

• ✨ If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. One new habit can help create positive momentum.
• ✨ Seeking support is a strength, not a weakness. Talk to a friend, join a club, reach out to a counselor—people want to help.
• ✨ Stress is temporary, and you’ve got this. Academic challenges are part of the journey, but so is learning how to manage them.

💙 Remember: Your well-being matters. Take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.