Recently I have been feeling burnt out. I do not know if it is the end of the semester or just the amount of work we have, but the motivation to leave my bed in the morning is non-existent. The sun sets at 4 now, which only enhances the desire to curl up and watch a movie instead of tackling my mile long to-do list. I keep looking forward to Thanksgiving, but how long can you just live for the next break?
I do not know what sparked it, but the other day I thought to myself that if this is what life is going to be like, I have got to find a way to make it more enjoyable. Like theoretically I will be busy for the rest of my life, no matter what profession I pursue, so I might as well figure out how to balance out all this stress. It is not even just the stress, but also there is not always something exciting happening. Here at school it is easy to find something to do on the weekend, but during the week things can be pretty quiet. Here is the best way I have found to make the most of the mundane.
First: Give yourself some time during the day. For me this is my morning routine and it allows me to warm up slowly for the day and present myself in the best way possible. This means waking up earlier than I want, but overall it will prepare me better for my day. I think that taking the time to complete my skincare routine and pick out my outfit and drink my coffee is a form of self care. That extra hour of sleep will not help you if you are running late to class and are half awake.
Second: Talk to people that inspire you everyday. Inspiration can seem like such a daunting term, like it is some big revelation we have and never lose. This is far from the case as we often find ourselves full of inspiration one day, and at a dead end the next. Hearing about how your friends are doing or talking to a parent or a loved one, can really entertain you and remind you why you are putting yourself through all this stress and work.
Third: Romanticize basic tasks. I know it sounds dumb, but there is something magical about putting in airpods and walking around campus. You notice all of the little things like trees and the people, and you for sure feel like the main character. Even if you are walking to class or picking up your coffee, enjoy it. Soon it will be frigid out and the plants will all be dead, but right now everything is so beautifully fall. Take the time to be the main character of your own movie, it will boost your confidence and make your life a little more exciting.
The three ideas mentioned above are ways that I have found to enjoy life just a little more. Not every day is going to be perfect, but there is something beautiful about every new day.