As midterms creep in and assignments begin to pile up, it can be difficult to find time to truly enjoy the fall season. Fall is arguably the most anticipated season of the year, but nothing quite kills the mood like the mid-semester scaries.
Luckily, there are still ways to experience the excitement of fall despite your demanding academic schedule (better yet, it might even make it more manageable). Keep reading for a list of cozy activities that can help you manage stress during the fall season.
1. Turn on Your Favorite Comfort Show
You simply can’t go wrong with rewatching your favorite show or movie as the weather starts to cool down. Whether you’re more of a “Gilmore Girls” stan or you prefer a fall classic like the 1998 romantic comedy “You’ve Got Mail,” turning on something comforting is a great way to decompress between studying.
2. Bake a Fall-Inspired Dessert
We all know and love the famous Pillsbury pumpkin cookies, and if you can get your hands on them this fall, they are guaranteed to make your semester a little bit better. Any baked treat is an automatic mood booster, and there are so many other options for fall-inspired baking. You can find some recipes here.
3. Light a Candle and Journal
Seasonal candles are a staple of the fall season — it simply wouldn’t be the same without them. Between pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon, there are an endless number of scents perfect for bringing the feeling of fall into your space.
Journaling is a great relaxation technique because it helps clear your mind and gives you a moment away from your overwhelming to-do list. So, grab a journal and your favorite fall candle, and get to writing!
4. Relax With a Warm Drink
Enjoying a warm drink is notorious for having calming and relaxing qualities, and the fall season offers countless options for you to try. Brewing a cup of hot tea or ordering a chai latte are just a few easy ways to get yourself in the fall mood during your next study session.
5. Go for a Walk Outside
This might sound incredibly cliché, but sometimes getting some fresh air is all you need to reset during a stressful week. The crisp fall air is just the right temperature to be refreshing, and it’s the perfect excuse to throw on your favorite sweater before leaving the house. This gives you a chance to slow down, turn on your fall playlist, and cleanse yourself of any negative or stressful thoughts before returning to your school work.
Even though it can feel like the fall semester is dragging you down, there are so many ways you can still enjoy the season while staying focused on your studies.
Have more ideas for managing your stress during the fall semester? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU!