Second semester can be mentally draining due to snowstorms, downpours, mud, and the schoolwork that is due regardless of the weather. We’ve all experienced that I-don’t-want-to-get-out-of-bed-hopefully-my-teacher-doesn’t-take-attendence-today feeling every now and then (and some more than others). Doing small things can make a big difference in your mood. Here is a list of five things to get yourself out of bed, and out of that rut!
1. Bring In Spring! There may be six-feet of snow on the ground, and two more snowstorms on the way, but spring has sprung in Hannaford! Pick up some flowers or plants next time you do your grocery shopping. Seeing white every time you look out your window can take a toll on the mood, but colorful flowers and growing plants can be a daily reminder that spring is on its way. So set aside $5 and get a side of spring with your groceries.
2. Keep a Countdown! When it seems like Mondays are 45 hours long and Tuesday/Thursday classes are endless, it is easy to get stuck in the rut of the daily grind. Contrary to what it feels like, time actually will go on and things will progress. Keeping a countdown to Spring Break, Maine Day, or another fun event that is coming up, can serve as a daily reminder that things will get better. When you are having the worst day, you can look forward to going home and crossing out another date on the countdown. Reminding yourself of happy and fun times to come is a surefire way to beat the daily blues.
3. The Movies: A Mini Vacation! You may not have time on a Tuesday night to fly to Florida and relax, but you can pay a measly $6 and get lost in a movie for a couple of hours at Spotlight Cinemas in Orono. The Tuesday $6 movie night at Spotlight is underrated and often forgotten about, which makes it even more relaxing. Movie Magic in Bangor also offers $1 movies on Tuesday. Yes, really, only $. What a steal! Next time you’ve had enough of the bitter cold and your bratty roommates, get lost in a movie for a little while!
4. Break a Sweat! You’ve heard it plenty of times, but it really is true: exercising releases endorphins that can better your mood almost instantly! Exercise does not have to mean running until you pass out. Go to the Rec Center and play some basketball with your friends, or try out one of the free classes that UMaine offers. The Mayo Clinic cites that exercise can ease depression promote relaxation and help alleviate the tension of stress and anxiety. And I hear there are usually cute boys there too! Until the snow melts and the quad is full of Frisbee and lacrosse games again, make good use of the free Rec Center and get moving!
5. Indulge! Spoiling yourself every now and then can be good, maybe even great, for the soul. I’m not telling you to go out and devour entire box of Cheez-Its followed by a New York Style cheesecake, (or maybe just on a particularly bad day), but treating yourself to a 99-cent Frosty or some French Fries every once in a while will no doubt bring a smile your face. Coldstone in Bangor is open 24 hours, and can you really beat a late night trip with the roomies to get some cake batter ice cream? And if you’ve followed the advice in this article, you deserve a treat for all of the exercise you’ve been doing. Now let yourself go a little bit and satisfy that sweet (or salty) tooth!