“Any and all change is jarring to our bodies both physically and mentally, but we are good at adapting, too. Know that the transition won’t last long and honoring what our body needs is a good thing,” said Reilly. “Decompressing is a good thing as it is a way to let go, process and recharge to jump back in again.

One key to navigating the change in pace is finding a routine or role that gives you a sense of purpose.

“Any part time job — big or small — can support several dimensions of wellness, including social, financial, occupational and emotional. Work provides a sense of purpose, structure and routine that many students and faculty members miss once the academic year ends,” said Reilly. “And while we may joke negatively about ‘having to go to work,’ a job can be exactly what keeps us grounded. It gives us a reason to get up each day, helps maintain momentum and offers meaningful connection with others. In many ways, part-time employment becomes an anchor during the summer, supporting stability, motivation and overall wellbeing. Plus, replenishing our bank account is a good thing, too.”

Equally important, finding time to rest and find a change of scenery can prove extremely beneficial to one’s wellbeing.

“Simply hearing the word ‘vacation’ often brings a smile to someone’s face because it reminds us of the importance of stepping away from our daily routines and is often when we connect with family, friends and ourselves in an intentional way. Time off allows us to disconnect from constant responsibilities, experience new environments and engage in activities that restore our energy,” said Reilly.

Whether traveling across the world or staying in the comfort of your own home, taking vacation time is necessary to reset both physically and mentally.

“Traveling away from home can amplify these benefits by offering adventure, a full break from familiar stressors, new sights, new people and new experiences — all of which stimulate our brains and support emotional wellbeing,” said Reilly. “A ‘staycation’ can be just as restorative. Staying local still gives us permission to slow down, rest and reconnect with ourselves without the logistics or cost of travel.

While time to slow down can be helpful for some, it might not serve others in the same positive ways.

“Many students return home to strong friend groups, supportive families, summer jobs or even summer classes,” said Reilly. “Those built in structures help them transition out of the academic year and keep them engaged with a new summer routine. For students who don’t have that same level of support at home, the experience can feel very different. If they’re isolated from the people who matter most to them or if they lack a job, routine or clear sense of purpose, their mental health can absolutely be affected.”

Reilly encourages people to ask for help if they are having trouble navigating these periods of change on their own.

“If you feel like you cannot get past the decompression phase, are very unmotivated or struggling to get out of bed, that is a sign to check in with a mental health provider for an assessment or get an accountability buddy to get you out of bed and moving each day,” said Reilly.

As students, faculty and staff prepare to return to campus for the fall semester, it is normal to feel some anxiety or worry as things speed back up. Reilly says this is totally normal.

“College life always moves in cycles  — intense work of a busy semester followed by a period of rest (winter or summer break). Remembering the good parts of each phase, giving yourself some time to adjust and reminding yourself that have done this before can help you when then change begins to unsettle you,” said Reilly.

While sometimes the best thing to do is to relax and understand that things will work out, there are some tangible steps you can take to better prepare for returning to the busy semester schedule.

“If at all possible, start to shift your daily routine about 10 days out to one that will be closer to your back-to-school version,” said Reilly. “Our body always thrives best around routine, so begin to get yourself in the one you will have for fall. Be sure to give yourself permission to struggle a bit in the transition. This is totally normal. Remind yourself it is just that, a transition period and you will adjust and settle soon.”

Once you return to classes, extracurriculars or work, and find your rhythm, your wellbeing should stay a top priority.

“If there is something special that you do for yourself in the summer or at home that helps you to feel more grounded, try to find a way to bring a bit of it back with you to use when you need. Knowing what helps you before you feel overwhelmed and stressed is another tool for your toolbox,” said Reilly.