It’s that time of the year, collegiettes—the mid-semester blues have finally hit. You’re dealing with a never-ending amount of schoolwork, your dating life leaves something to be desired, and the weather is consistently awful. Spring Break never seemed so far away! But although the winter blahs get everyone at some point, they can easily be squashed with a few quick pick-me-ups. So change out of those sweats and get ready to be re-energized– Her Campus is here to get you off the couch!
Problem: You’d love to get a good workout in, but the 10-minute walk to the gym in the freezing cold is quickly changing your mind.
Solution: This is where the TV can actually help a girl out! “If you don’t want to leave your dorm (I hate walking to the gym in the winter) then workout videos are a great way to stay in shape. I like Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred because it’s only 20 minutes long, so I can fit it into a busy school day,” Makena Sage, HC Campus Correspondent at Bryant University says. Workout DVDS are becoming more popular for college students and there are ton to choose from, so try checking Amazon for deals. 30-Day Shred is only $8.99, and there’s an app from SELFmagazine called SELF Workouts that only costs $1.99!
Problem: With projects, extracurriculars, and your day-to-day responsibilities, you have barely had time to catch your breath lately. You want to do something fun to relax, but putting something else into your busy schedule just seems like a hassle.
Solution: Try a relaxing night with your girlfriends. You’ll be surprised how much it’ll help! “Everyone wears comfy clothes and you do the whole girly thing with junk food, facials and manicures, and a marathon of chick flicks. No matter the weather outside, the laughter alone guaranteed in a night like that was always a great pick-me-up,” says Christina Troy, HC Design Associate and a recent Merrimack College alum. And if you feel like you have to go out and party rather than have a chill night, check out 25 reasons why it’s okay to stay in tonight to change your mind!
Problem: So none of the jobs you applied for are panning out, and counting out your change for a drink at the bar is getting old really quickly.
Solution: Revert back to your high school days and consider babysitting! Ask some of your friends if they know anyone in the area who needs a sitter, or talk to some of your favorite professors with children. It’ll hold you over until you can find a more permanent job, and you’ll be able to get homework done once the kids go to sleep!
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Problem: Everyone loves to have a little bit of color, but you’re trying to avoid the tanning booths to keep your skin healthy. Meanwhile, more and more of your friends have already started tanning again and you’re starting to feel like Casper.
Solution: Instead of booking an appointment at the tanning salon, try looking at your wardrobe differently to help warm up your complexion. “One approach that helps- aside from the obvious like tinted moisturizers and bronzer- is lightening up the color palette of my wardrobe. Wearing cream and blush tones is much less of a shock against my skin than black or navy clothing!” says Kristen Pye, an HC Contributing Writer from McGill University. And don’t underestimate the power of a good self-tanner, ladies. Says Hillary Coombs, HC Bryant University Campus Correspondent: “I use Jergens Natural Glow moisturizer. I use it every morning after showering and I literally stay tan year round! If you use it daily it really does work!”
Problem: All your winter clothes are getting old, but you don’t want to spend money on new ones with spring right around the corner.
Solution: “If you’re sick of your drab winter gear, take a cue from our sisters across the Atlantic. I’m currently studying in France and it’s ubiquitous that girls here layer, layer, layer. They’ll wear opaque tights and a skirt to class, but with knee-length boots or even wedge ankle boots,” said Tricia Taormina, an HC contributing writer from Central Michigan University. And use the Internet to your advantage! “Look at fashion blogs filled with street fashion shots, such as LookBook.nu and Chictopia, for outfit ideas! My personal favorites are crazy tights and winter-themed leggings right now. You can wear these with chambray shirts or even skirts. I also would suggest experimenting with infinity scarves,” says Simmone Seymour, an HC writer at Tufts University.
Problem: There is nothing fun to do outside, and you’re sick of staying in and watching movies all day long.
Solution: Don’t be afraid to channel your inner fourth grader, collegiettes. “Have a pseudo-winter wonderland with your friends. Bundle up and try making snow angels in the quad or even have a snow ball fight,” said Kelsey Mulvey, HC Contributing Writer from Boston University. And if you’re not the snowball-making type of girl, try looking at our list of 25 fun things to do inside instead!
Problem: Going to the same bars and seeing the same people every night is leading to boring weekends with nothing new.
Solution: Change up your location and you’ll meet new people and experience new things. “Instead of being bored by the same night life, try a new restaurant or check out a local comedy club. It might not be as party-oriented as your plans usually are, but you’ll be doing something new!” says Kelsey from BU. And if you’re going on a first date a comedy club could ease any awkward tension and give you plenty to talk about.