Over half of the semester has passed, and now the dreaded anxiety rises as everything begins to feel like too much. Essays are piling up, as you are taking exams every week; heck, even answering a group chat feels like a burden. Finding time to slow down once in a while and finding small moments of joy in everyday occurrences can help you find comfort during these stressful times.
Romanticizing allows your mind to have a sense of calmness once in a while. To do this, you have to slow down and look around you. The quietness of walking to class, the sunlight hitting the window of your dorm/apartment, or the smell of your coffee in the morning; everything you do can be beautiful if you put your mind to it.Â
The Beauty on Campus
Indiana University is a gorgeous campus. Next time you go to class, take the leisurely route so that you can admire the lovely trees and architecture around you. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, the chatter of conversations around you, the crunch of fallen leaves, and the squirrels scurrying through the grass, gathering food for the winter. Embrace the beauty of the IU campus and be present in the moment.
When rainy days come around, embrace them. Take a moment to gaze out your dorm window as you prepare for the day and listen to the rain as you walk to class. During those long study sessions, head to the library or the IMU. Appreciating beautiful architecture or even listening to music can help you embrace the study time you have been putting off.
Morning Ritual
A good start to the day makes for a great day; however, most overlook the mornings, dreading getting up. Instead, make a cup of coffee just the way you like it with your favorite music in your ears. After you finish your makeup routine, take a few minutes to breathe and reflect on all the good things in your life. Put on a cute, comfy outfit that will make you happy when you walk outside in it.
Let the sunshine fill your room by opening your blinds. The sun’s light can help brighten your morning. Another way to brighten your morning is to journal. Writing down even one thing that you are grateful for can help you appreciate the little things in your life. By reflecting on that one thing you are thankful for, you can carry a sense of joy for the rest of the day.
Embrace Your Self-Care
Self-care is essential in relieving stress from your daily life. Embracing even the most minor positive things can help you find calm in your life. Doing your laundry can be stressful, especially as a freshman. Next time you fold your clothes, consider listening to your favorite artist to make your time there more enjoyable, or grab your favorite coffee beforehand, which does the trick.Â
When you finish your classes, change into a hoodie so you feel cozy while doing your classwork. This can even become a comforting routine to practice whenever your class day ends. Setting aside a day to decompress can also be beneficial. On Sundays, start your day off slowly; you can sleep in, read a book, or indulge in a hot cup of coffee or tea. Consider practicing yoga or meditating to recharge for the week ahead. Allowing yourself to embrace and love who you are is the ultimate form of self-care.
Relationships
Appreciate the people around you as well. Go to dinner with a friend and talk about everything that comes to mind. Reach out with a text to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Compliment a stranger’s outfit on your way to class. These small gestures can help you appreciate everything you have. They serve as a reminder that you are not just trying to survive college; you are actively living your life as a college student, much like the characters in Pitch Perfect.
Romanticizing the little things is about recognizing that the life you live is already beautiful. In college, time goes by quickly. Exams and essays come and go, but the memories you’ll cherish most are the experiences and moments that surround you. From the leaves changing from green to red, to the sunlight that peeks through your window, to the coffee you enjoy in the morning, and the laughter you share with friends, these are what matter. Remember to embrace and reflect on these little things each morning to stay grounded. It is these moments that remind you to breathe and live your life to the fullest.