As we move into the halfway point of the semester, we have entered midterm-season! Everyone’s favorite! At this point of the semester, there have been no breaks, just ongoing assignments, classes, quizzes and exams, and so forth. Not to mention daylight savings also occurs so now our days feel like they begin to end at 5pm because it’s practically nightfall. During this time in the Fall semester, everyone begins to go through seasonal depression or some sort of slump that they can’t shake themselves out of. No one wants to do school work anymore or go to class, or go outside because it’s pouring rain and absolutely freezing. This time makes it difficult for college students due to the ongoing pressure and responsibility of succeeding in all of your classes, most of us working part time, some of us even beginning to feel homesick, and all of us beginning to feel burnt out. It’s important during this barrier in our lives we prioritize our mental health and remind ourselves we are smart, successful, and it’s okay to take a break sometimes.Â
One of the first things to do to begin prioritizing self care, is set aside a time for yourself where it’s uninterrupted. It’s your time, meant for you, to relax and unwind and enjoy yourself without stressing yourself out over all your responsibilities. After looking at your schedule for the day or week, find a time to schedule in time for yourself, even if it’s for something as small as 30 minutes long. Those 30 minutes help you feel like a person again and not some robot running on fumes, and remind you to enjoy your life.Â
Few Ways to Practice Self Care:
Watching a movie or show!
Watching a quick episode of one of your favorite shows will help you decompress and give you a good laugh to remind you life doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. Or before bed, watching a favorite or even new movie you’ve been dying to watch can help you reset your nervous system before bed.Â
Going for a walk (when it’s not raining lol).
Well you can go while it’s raining if you enjoy the rain, just make ure to stay dry and don’t get sick! Going for a walk with your phone on Do Not Disturb while listening to your favorite music, a podcast, audiobook, or even complete silence gives you time to day dream and be with your thoughts. And while walking around our beautiful campus, you can find yourself finding the positives in this difficult time. To be so fortunate to be able to go to such a great and beautiful school. Grab a coffee or fun drink while you walk. Take pictures of the scenery. Find a place to sit and people watch. Or even use this time to phone a friend or loved one to chat about all the things you’re excited about.Â
Reading a good book.
If you love to read and have missed it due to being overwhelmed with school work and other tasks. Give yourself at least 30 minutes per day dedicated to reading. Allow yourself to get enchanted into another universe with new characters and settings. Reading books of genres you enjoy, allows for good brain stimulation while doing something that makes you happy without forcing you to think so much.Â
Journaling.
The fun thing about journaling is that there’s no right way to do it. You can junk journal by creating a story on paper by using souvenirs you have picked out from throughout your day or week, that remind you of a memory you made. Or you can simply write down whatever you desire. You can vent, you can write positive affirmations, wish lists, you can write about absolutely anything. You can write a bullet journal by tracking how much progress you’ve made of how many books you’ve read so far, how much money you’ve saved so far, etc.Â
I hope this article reassured you that you’re not the only one going through a hard time right now. And that you are not lazy, you’re just a college student needing a break and to remind yourself you are worth more than your grades! Good luck on midterm exams!!Â