Although the winter has a variety of fun activities like ice skating, sledding, skiing and snowball fights, it can also be a time when many college students might feel unmotivated, isolated and have other negative feelings, especially during the month of February. After all, the only event happening in February is Valentine’s Day, which can be slightly disheartening if you don’t have a significant other. If you have these negative feelings, it is vital to take care of yourself with a healthy variety of self-care, whether that time is spent by yourself, with others, or both. Plan stuff you can look forward! In this article, I will describe ways I am taking care of myself leading up to Valentine’s Day to confront negative feelings and avoid a detrimental, pessimistic mindset.
1. Reading books that are not supposed to intellectually challenge me
Like any other college student, 18-page readings on profound subjects can mentally exhaust me; I love reading, but sometimes I feel that I’m only allowed to read thoughtful pieces and live up to my academic potential. This mindset is not helpful when you’re already reading about heavy topics in lengthy articles at least three times a week; your brain deserves a break. After confronting this notion, I decided to set aside time for myself to leisurely read a chapter each day from my simple-minded romance books (perfect for Valentine’s)!
2. Journaling whenever I begin experiencing negative feelings
It is easy for negative feelings to build upon each other when they go unaddressed because they can easily pave the way to an unbeneficial mentality. For this reason, I decided to journal whenever I drift into a negative mindset to avoid unnecessary overthinking. Reminding yourself that you are loved by others and that you should love yourself can be effective!
3. Doing daily word searches to maintain a mindful mental fitness
I am a very intentional person, but doing simple activities such as word searches can be a nice break from intentionality. Plus, doing word searches can contribute to a healthier mind!
4. Planning outings with friends to new places
As mentioned, it often feels like there aren’t many events to look forward to during the winter, particularly around Valentine’s Day, especially because so many activities are couple-oriented. This winter and Valentine’s week, I’m making sure to plan stuff to look forward to with my friends and surround myself with those who love me!
5. Taking myself on coffee dates
Some days, it is necessary to enjoy time with yourself and take some time to get to know yourself more. I have found that treating myself to a coffee at a Columbus coffee shop like Stauf’s Coffee or one line coffee always raises my spirits! Romanticizing time with yourself allows you to recognize your admirable qualities, which is necessary to maintain a good relationship with yourself.
6. Focusing on being more present
Whether you’re in class, doing homework, spending time with yourself or hanging out with those close to you, it is easy to get distracted by floating thoughts or your phone. By making the physical effort to put away my phone, I have found that the floating thoughts begin to drift away, permitting me to be more present in conversations and academic settings. In fact, I find that I always leave situations feeling more fulfilled with my time after spending time away from my phone.
7. Keeping my living spaces tidy so my mind can also be tidy
When you find yourself in a negative mindset, it is easy to become unmotivated. The work you were once passionate about completing now becomes another burden. I have found that when I clean up and organize my living space, I can often think more clearly and feel better about the stresses that were once weighing me down.
8. Refreshing my playlists
During the winter, listening to sad music can be an obvious answer to accompany a somber mood, but it is often not beneficial for an already negative mindset. I have decided to refresh my playlists this winter with more upbeat music to rejuvenate my mind. Plus, music artists Leith Ross and Beabadoobee are releasing some sweet songs this Valentine’s week, so look out for those!
9. Listening to podcasts
Like word searches, listening to podcasts does not require any intentionality. When I’m looking for a little brain break, I put on a commentary podcast like “Two Hot Takes” or a life advice podcast like “Anything Goes” to take my mind off any stresses I may be facing.
10. Reminding myself that my body is my vessel
Although it can be hard to not feel unmotivated and slightly discouraged during the winter, I make sure to remind myself that my body is a vessel that supports me throughout all parts of life; if I don’t take care of my mind and nourish my body with nutrients and a well-deserved sweet treat, it will be more difficult for my body to support me. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself throughout all parts of life. Your relationship with yourself is the longest relationship you will have, so you might as well develop a loving relationship with your mind and body!