A post-summer slump is reality to most students living in Finland. Fortunately, we have got you covered! Check out these mood boosters to clear away your autumn blues for the rest of the season!
Nourish yourself
The key to happiness during the autumn season is – as simple as it sounds – food. But as students we know that the combination of the shorter day cycle and the long days spent in dim lecture halls leaves your body craving calorific and quick energy source foods like white pasta and rice. But remember to add some colorful vitamin filled fruits and whole wheat options to your diet to keep your energy levels consistent. All a collegiette needs is love, but a little bit of chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!
Pro tip: if you’re experiencing the autumn blues, try adding some extra vitamin D to your diet.
Embrace the beauty of nature
Let’s face it: we all could spend a little less time in front of our bright computer screens. Natural light and fresh air can do miracles to your mood if you let yourself be inspired by the beautiful colors and scents of the foliage that lights up the Finnish autumn. As William Shakespeare put it “the earth has music for those who listen”. So next time when you’re outside, try listening to the sounds of the Finnish nature – a guaranteed relaxing experience!
Run, breathe and repeat
Here’s a challenge for you from Her Campus at Helsinki: dump that sofa and get moving! Whether you want to do relaxing yoga, serious fitness or jog in an autumn colored park, you’ll feel terrific afterwards. We know, the autumn days might get colder making the temptation to stay inside even greater, but the benefits of sport speak for themselves: a fully rounded exercise routine releases all those feel-good endorphins which clear away your autumn blues in a jiffy. When it comes down to sports, stop saying “I wish” and start saying “I will”!
Give art a chance
Even if the nature might go asleep by the end of the autumn, your imagination doesn’t have to. Listening to your favorite bands, painting a picture or writing a personal story are all great ways to vent out some stress and to raise your mood. Try taking part in art class in your local community college or give drama club a chance! Remember, a work of art is above all an adventure of the mind!
Check out Helsinki’s community college for further information on art classes.
Treat yourself right
The colder months especially tend to make us people forget the truly important things in life like our nearest and dearest and most cherished hobbies. What makes you happy in particular? Time given back to yourself is an investment to your happiness. Even if you have only a little bit of spare time during your daily routine, be kinder to yourself by relaxing and maintaining healthy sleep patterns.
Pro Tip: Talk to yourself like you would to someone you cherish the most!
All photos (C) playbuzz and favim.com