What is Occupational Wellness?
Occupational wellness is about finding fulfillment in work, balancing academic and career goals, and engaging in meaningful professional development. It also includes maintaining work-life balance and ensuring overall well-being at work.
Why Occupational Wellness Matters for College Students
As students balance academics, internships, part-time jobs, and career planning, occupational wellness plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling college experience. Especially in college where the pressure to "do it all" can be intense, it's common to feel stressed about resumes, leadership roles, and post-grad plans. But when work- whether academic or professional- feels meaningful and manageable, it can boost motivation, enhance mental well-being, and contribute to long-term success.
Balancing Work, Academics, and Well-Being
Managing multiple responsibilities effectively is key to maintaining occupational wellness. Here are some strategies to help balance work, school, and personal life:
- Time management strategies: Utilize techniques such as the Pomodoro method or the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important tasks) to prioritize effectively.
- Use organizational tools: Leverage planners, calendars, and digital apps like Google Calendar, Notion, or Todoist to stay on top of deadlines and commitments.
- Seek support from campus resources: The Romero Success Coaches provide valuable guidance on time management, academic planning, and career preparation.
Setting Work-Life Boundaries
Setting boundaries between school, work, and personal life is essential for preventing burnout and protecting your mental health. In college, it's easy to blur the lines between studying, working, and socializing. Creating clear boundaries helps you stay focused, feel more in control, and free up time for rest and hobbies. Check out some of our tips below for practical strategies to help you better maintain balance:
- Set realistic limits on your time: Before saying yes to a new opportunity or responsibility, consider what else you have on your plate and whether you have the time and energy for something else. It's okay to say "no" to opportunities that don't align with your current priorities and capacity.
- Stay organized. Use a calendar to block out time for classes, studying, work, social opportunities, and breaks. Use a planner to list out what you need to do each day/week/month.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule breaks and activities that recharge you like hobbies, movement, spending time with friends, or being outdoors.
- Create a designated "stop" time. Pick a time each day to stop doing schoolwork or other responding to other work matters. Use this time to wind down with a consistent routine, such as getting ready for bed, tidying your space, journaling, or taking a break from screens.
- Communicate boundaries with others. Say "no" to tasks or roles that stretch you too thin. Let others know when you're unavailable or off the clock and when you will get back to them.
Stress Management
What is Stress?
Stress is the body's natural response to challenges or demands. In college, stress often stems from academic pressures, financial concerns, adjusting to newfound independence, uncertainty about the future, among other unique situations. Normal levels of stress from time to time are expected and can even be a good thing depending on the circumstances. But, when stress continues at unhealthy levels for an extended period (chronic stress), it can hinder academic success, cognitive abilities, concentration, and self-esteem.
Signs of Stress Include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or anxious
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Mood swings or irritability
- Headaches or muscle tension
- Avoiding responsibilities
Positive Ways to Manage Stress
- Break tasks into smaller steps. Set realistic goals and take things one step at a time.
- Practice positive self-talk. Remind yourself, "I'm doing my best", or "I can do this"
- Set boundaries. Say "no" when you're overwhelmed and protect your time and energy.
- Exercise regularly. Even a 10-minute walk or a few minutes of stretching can reduce stress.
- Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help your brain and body recharge.
- Practice deep breathing exercises. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat this as needed.
- Journal your feelings. Give yourself the space to write about how you're doing. This can often be a good way to reflect on some of the challenges you may be experiencing.
- Reach out. Talk to friends, family, mentors, or a professional counselor when you're feeling overwhelmed and need some support.
Aligning Your Career with Personal Values
Finding purpose in work can enhance motivation and satisfaction. Ask yourself:
- What skills do I enjoy using?
- What type of work excites me?
- What values do I want my career to reflect?
Exploring these questions can help guide career choices and lead to more fulfilling work experiences. To explore these questions and more, feel free to make an appointment at the Soll Center and take their Career Clarity Quiz.
Campus Career Resources
As CMC students, we have access to numerous resources that support our career exploration and development:
- Soll Center for Student Opportunity: Offers career counseling, networking treks, funding and resources for experiences, resume-building workshops, and internship opportunities.
- Student Organizations & Leadership Opportunities: Get involved in clubs at CMC, student government (ASCMC), and campus initiatives to build skills and expand your network.
- Professional Networking Tools: Platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, and mentorship programs connect students with professors, alumni, and industry professionals for career guidance.
- Check out CMC Engage as another way to connect with alumni and receive valuable insight into areas you are interested in.
- Professors and Classmates: Utilize their expertise, mentorship, and connections to explore career paths, gain industry insights, and receive academic and professional guidance.
Prioritizing occupational wellness helps CMC students find purpose in their work, balance academics with other commitments, and build careers that align with their values and strengths. By exploring different opportunities, developing skills, and staying mindful of their well-being, students can create a fulfilling professional journey- both in college and throughout their lives.
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