It baffles me to think that just three months ago, we were moving into school…in hot weather. Funny how at that point, we were excited for a new year, looking forward to spending time with roommates, football games, going out with friends after not having seen them for so long, and feeling ready for the new year to begin. In a short 12 weeks, the weather has changed, its absolutely freezing outside now, and I can definitely say I’m exhausted and ready to go home. One football game turned into 6 tailgates/games and classes shifted from introductions to midterms, and now are headed toward finals… I still love spending time with my friends but now we have all fallen into our own little routines.
There is something about the weeks in November leading up to Thanksgiving that gives some people so much hope because we get to go home for a bit but then December/finals have a rapid (and violent) turnaround… it seems as if everyone is getting sick and swamped with assignments that no one has the time to do. Most of the time, it feels as if there are not enough hours in the day to complete all the things on our to-do lists. Needless to say, all of this seems to leave everyone just tired and exhausted in every way. One thing I’ve learned from those stressful weeks is to take a moment to take a breather from all the craziness that’s been happening.
Whether or not you have a lot on your plate or not right now, try your hardest not to become consumed and defined by the numbers (or letters) you get on your assignments this semester/now. Be humble if you do well and offer productive encouragement to others if you see that they are struggling. It seems to be a pretty high-stress time for everyone it is important to be aware of others and their individual stresses they may be dealing with. Sometimes, you need to have 15 min alone or take a break from studying for a little bit…recognize that you need these breaks and let yourself have them (even if it feels like you don’t have the time to take these breaks). If you find yourself become super stressed, try to do something to give yourself a relaxing break. Talk about things if that’s what will make you feel better and find fun little things to do between completing tasks on your to-do list so that all the pent-up stress doesn’t erupt in a frenzy.
Remember to thank the people around you for the little things. Tell a friend thank you for hearing you out when you were having a rough day, take a moment to reach out to a friend who you think needs a little rant session. Whatever it is, remember to be thankful during this season because that’s what November is for (even though its full of exams, coffee, late nights, early mornings, and STRESS). It seems as if everyone is trying to find their own balance (or trying to get by) given their personal circumstances that affect our abilities to complete thing things on our “lists” so let yourself try to find a balance and respect other people’s attempts to find their own happy mediums.
Don’t let the stresses of everyday life make you too cynical during the holiday season as it is always such a bright and happy time of year around campus. Treat yourself to things, enjoy time with your friends and family, and get good sleep so we can finish the semester strong!
HCXO and Happy Thanksgiving
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