This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.
As the temperature rises and birds start to chirp, we may experience a universal shift of energy. Like a flower, humans go through cycles. We are finally out of hibernation this winter and are starting the beginning steps of regrowth, to blossom for summer. It’s been tough– I know. Seasonal dips of mood and character are common circumstances that, from what I’ve seen, many students go through. Self-doubt, a knock of confidence, worries about future plans, or not being able to get out of bed. There is nothing to be ashamed of. What we tend to forget about is the importance of staying grounded. Moving forward, let’s open our windows. Let’s vent out the frustration, conflict, and gloominess that has been deteriorating us. Let’s allow new energy to flow into our minds and space. Here’s how:
Paint your walls.
I know it sounds random, but a drastic change in the room that you spend most of your time in will only encourage you to let go of any self-trauma or past grudges that that space has made you feel. It’s time to take a step in a different direction. Maybe the previous shade was causing you to cling to what you no longer are. By creating a new, inspiring vibe that suits YOU, you are giving yourself the opportunity to shed your skin and re-invent yourself. You deserve it. Out with the old, and in with the new. I recommend a vibrant, fun color or a really light shade. Now that your space is able to encapsulate a new source of energy, let’s contain that energy. Try an essential oil diffusor or insenses. Keep your windows open to let in fresh air, and maybe try a new comforter for your sleeping space.
We tend to always be one step ahead. Have you ever just stopped in your tracks for a second under chaos, when you’re laughing with your friends or doing something spontaneous and thought, “wow, maybe life isn’t too bad”? And then you get caught up in the moment and lose contact with your inner thoughts as your night goes on. It’s important to have these mental checkpoints; we need to remind ourselves of our current state and cancel out any “what if” concerns from events that haven’t even happened yet. How can we be so worried about what is to come, when life is so unprecedented? Nothing ever goes to plan, anyways. Let’s take life one step at a time. Forgive yourself for your past mistakes, and ignore any thoughts of potential future mistakes. Life is linear; we are all on our own paths that are specifically designed for us. When you feel overwhelmed, try grounding techniques. List 5 things you can experience from all senses.
Maybe you are looking for fulfillment in activities or interests. Maybe what is holding you back is a lack of something to keep you on your toes. Maybe a cause of that is the over-usage of technology. We all need a creative outlet. Put the phone down– social media is full of superficiality and leads to false comparison. We get so fixated on classifying a person and their profile as the same and tend to make inaccurate conclusions. In this new season, how about we find that niche that we are craving, something to distract ourselves from reality? We deserve to focus on ourselves and feed our souls with what makes us flourish. I recommend painting, coloring, listening to podcasts, mindful meditation, or vinyasa flow.
Like flowers, we all bloom in our own unique ways. It’s okay to have setbacks when in hibernation. It just means that we’ll bloom more vibrantly come spring.
Rachael is a freshman Communication/Marketing major at UMass Amherst. She aspires to work in the media after graduation and loves working out, chai lattes and shopping.
