Every August, there’s one question that comes up: “Are you excited for the new school year?” And honestly, it’s not a simple yes or no.  

Yes, I’m excited to see my friends. Yes, I’m excited to gain education and intellect that will help me better this world. And yes, I’m excited to play softball, the sport I’ve loved my whole life, at a higher level. But no, I’m not excited for the mountain of stress and exhaustion that comes with it all.  

Here’s a glimpse at my inner dialogue from a morning at school: 

I need to stretch. 

I can’t forget my belt. I really can’t forget that. 

Eat good, sleep good, feel good. 

Yup. 

Eat good, sleep good, feel good. 

Wait, did I hit my protein goal yet?  

Does this have protein in it? 

I need to get good grades this semester. 

Maybe I should get a tutor. 

Tutor three times a week? I’ll do that. 

I also need to lift three times a week. 

And hit three times a week. 

Wait, how many days in a week again? 

I should get that tutor. 

But I can’t skip practice for it or I’ll warm the bench. 

I do really need that tutor. 

-- 

Don't forget to set an alarm for morning lift . 

6 AM, don't forget. 

Then 8 AM, stats exam. 

Stats exam, that’s why I need that tutor . 

I hope I can fit breakfast in. 

After the exam, before finance class. 

I should probably get that tutor. 

-- 

I should get a new bat instead. 

Yeah, new bat will help my batting average. 

Don't forget the Icy Hot. 

Gotta go to the trainer before practice. 

I forgot to do my PT. 

Shoot, how do I tell her I forgot to do my PT? 

Better be early for dynamic warmups . 

Gotta stretch well so I can keep this up. 

Oh, that’s right. 

I need to stretch. 

No exaggeration, that’s what I’m hearing. And with this constantly running through my mind, it may puzzle you that I continue to be a student-athlete. But the reality is that, just like most things in life, it’s what you make of it.  

I could choose to complain about my packed schedule, full of late nights and early mornings. Or I could choose to find a way to make sure that when I look back on my college experience, stress is the last thing that comes to mind. 

Now going into my junior year, playing softball and studying marketing at Bentley University, I feel better equipped than ever to take on the wave of stress this new school year is sure to send my way. That’s because I've learned how to maintain my physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.  

 Physical Wellbeing: It’s Harder Than You Think 

As a student-athlete, I assumed that keeping up my physical wellbeing would be the easy part. I was very wrong.

Giving it your all in strength training, cardio, and practice is fine. What’s harder is committing to doing the work behind the scenes. Beyond staying active, taking care of your physical health means eating right, sleeping right, and treating recovery right, too. 

I always try to find time to fuel myself with the right food, which is hard when I’m at the mercy of the dining hall. There are definitely times when the “student” part gets in the way of the recommended full eight hours of sleep. And every so often, I want to head right to the showers, skipping the stop at the trainers when I should probably (scratch that, definitely) get checked out.  

 It’s not easy. But when you prioritize your health and wellness, eat right, and get your rest, it all makes a world of difference. 

Emotional Wellbeing: Take the Time for Yourself 

Burnoutin college is common. Getting stuck in the student-athlete cycle of academics and athletics all day,every day, often leads to the question, “Why am I doing any of this?” The truth is: I wouldn’t want it any other way.bI am so glad I get to go to my dream school to play the sport that I grew up playing. With that motivation in mind, I know I need to actively keep up my emotional wellbeing.. 

Something I do to support my emotions and ground myself, despite this never-ending cycle, is setting aside time for a different hobby. One of my favorites is cooking.  

Cooking is such a sustainable hobby. Partially, because it’s scalable. But also, because we have to eat every day. We might as well get good at it! Some days I spend hours on a meal for my whole family. Sometimes I squeeze a new recipe into my 20-minute window between practice and class. No matter how big or small your hobby is, making time  for something you enjoy is what matters.  

Mental Wellbeing: Up To Interpretation 

We talk a lot about mental health, but what does it really mean The NOBULLshit definition I’ve decided to live by is “being mentally well.” That might sound vague, but that’s because being mentally well looks different for everyone. 

 One way that I maintain my mental wellbeing is by journaling. I started out because I wanted to see my emotions on paper. I’ve always been someone who lets all their small emotions stack on top of one another, until they spill over. Journaling helps me navigate my emotions as they happen, instead of hitting me all at once.  

 When I first started almost three years ago, I didn't know where to start. Let alone the “right” way to do it. There were some entries that took up four pages, and there were some that were only four words. But once I realized there are no rules, I really saw an improvement in my mental clarity and emotional processing.  

Mental wellbeing isn’t the absence of negative feelings. It’s having the tools to navigate them and safely return to a calm and content state of being. 

The NOBULL Bottom Line 

It's almost time for another round of the classic question, “Are you excited for the new school year?” This year, I’m ready to respond with a confident “yes.”  

Because I don't want to just survive these four years. I want to thrive. And it all comes down to mindset. The pressure that I feel is a privilege, and I’m actually able to enjoy the cycle when I take care of my total wellbeing: physical, mental, and emotional. 

I'll take these strategies with me after graduation. Down all the avenues life will take me, excelling in as many as I can. Taking care of my health won’t only shape my college experience, but it will better the person I am every day.  

Author Bio:

As a lifelong athlete and a current Bentley University Softball player, Grace Messina has always been passionate about movement, personal growth and wellness. The importance of wellness was introduced to her at an early age from growing up in the CrossFit community, this shaped the way she approaches both athletics and everyday life. She also has a passion for coaching softball, helping these young girls become better players and even better people has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.