Feb. 9, 2026

Mid-term pause: Five harm reduction tips

Simple ways to care for your well-being while getting through mid-term season

Author

Kai Ern Lee and Naomi Den Haan

A study session on a desk with a computer and notebook
Stock images

Mid-term season can feel overwhelming. Between exams, assignments and balancing everything else in your life, stress can add up quickly. But small actions can help make this busy time more manageable.  

Plan a real break 

Plan a time to fully step away from your busy schedule and do something you genuinely enjoy. Plan your break ahead of time so that you can truly recharge while still staying true to your academic goals. Try choosing an activity that isn’trelated to school and that connects you to what you enjoy in your life outside of classes. 

Reconnect 

Spend time with friends, family or other supportive people in your life. If there’s someone you haven’t had a chance to connect with recently, this is a great chance to reach out and reconnect. Even a short conversation with loved ones can make you feel more supported during a stressful time. 

Check in on yourself and each other 

Take a moment to check in on yourself and your peers during this stressful season. Mid-terms are a good time to pause, reflect on how the semester is going, and consider what might be helpful for the remainder of the term.  

Some questions you could ask: 

  • How are you feeling about the semester so far?
  • What’s helping you stay motivated right now?
  • What’s your current go-to strategy for coping with stress? 

Have fun and stay safe 

Mid-terms don’t mean you can’t take time to unwind, but planning ahead can help keep you and others safe. 

  • If you’re planning a night out, make sure you have a safe ride home.
  • If you’re choosing to use substances, consider:
  • Staying fed and hydrated before, during and after use
  • Knowing your limits with the substance you plan to use
  • Starting low and going slow by using a small amount and giving it time to notice the effects
  • Whether you will be using alone or with others 

If using substances alone, make sure you have a naloxone kit and consider setting up a check-in through the National Overdose Response Services (NORS) hotline at 1-888-688-6677 or the Digital Overdose Response System (DORS) app. 

If using with others, keep a naloxone kit on hand and make a plan for how to manage potential adverse reactions or substance poisoning.   

Know the resources available to support you 

Sometimes, mid-terms can be a time when everything feels like it’s piling up, and you might start paying more attention to your own habits and overall well-being. If you’ve been thinking more about your relationship with substances or how you’re coping, that’s okay and you’re not alone. Noticing these things is a step to figuring out what you may need in the moment. 

If you’re feeling like you want to make a change or just talk things through, there are judgment-free spaces on campus that are here to support you no matter where you’re at.