After those long winter months (yes, even in Florida) and those dull, cold days, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos of everything. With the spring semester winding down, stress levels are at an all-time-high. So, how do we bust ourselves out of that cloud of negativity that finals will undoubtedly bring us into? It’s all about YOU. It’s about being more self-aware, growing your self-love, increasing your self-confidence and your ability to get it done. So, here are five ways to get back on that ray of sunshine you left behind last summer:
1. Track your complaining!
Like most people, I have a significant problem with COMPLAINING. That seems to be my go-to conversation starter: “Ugh, can you believe how gloomy it is outside?” or, “Ugh, I hate this class.” It doesn’t take rocket science to know that complaining equals negativity. So, why is complaining so rampant in today’s society? One thing that has really helped me reign in my complaining is to just track it! It can be a note on your phone, a column in your bullet journal, or a washable marker dot on your arm. Every time you catch yourself complaining, be AWARE of it. When someone has an addiction, the first thing someone says is, “admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.” Complaining is similar in that as soon as you become conscious of how often you whine about something, you suddenly start to do it a lot less!
2. Spend time outside.
It has been scientifically proven that the nutrients you get from the sun and fresh air can increase your brain’s production of serotonin (AKA your brain’s happy chemical). So, make an effort to spend at least 20-30 minutes outdoors! Bring your homework down by the pool or even just go sit out on your porch. Pick a bench outside in between classes. Plan a picnic with friends or your S.O. Your body will thank you! (Just remember to apply a sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 beforehand.)
3. Reach out to some old friends.
We all have those friends that we absolutely ADORE, and they brighten our day every time we get in contact with them, but our busy lives make it hard to see each other often. Plan a time to get together! With the spring semester winding down and summer quickly approaching, both of you will likely have some extra free time. So, plan a quick trip to get coffee. Invite them to come over and cook dinner. Go to a museum together on a discounted student admission day. Or just simply video chat or call them up!
4. Create your own positivity playlist to jam to!
Take a few minutes out of each day to unwind and go through your favorite music service. Make a playlist of songs you can dance to, songs you love, and even songs that just put a smile on your face. There are also tons of playlists already curated just for happy summer days like this one, this one, or this one.
5. Have a self-love day.
This one is something that I make sure to incorporate into my schedule at least once a semester. Sometimes, though, it’s necessary to just take a mental health day to get it all back together. Contrary to popular belief, a self-love day does NOT mean just a face mask and ice cream. It can be whatever makes you feel fulfilled and loved. For me, this means taking a trip to the animal shelter that I volunteer at or going on a date with my S.O. For others, it can be hitting the gym, going to the library for a new book, cooking a gourmet dinner, or even just painting your nails. A self-love day means treating yourself like the amazing creature that you are. You are capable of accomplishing whatever you set your mind to, but sometimes we need to take a day to remind ourselves of that.
With finals week looming in the next few days, just remember YOU GOT THIS. And after those are over, just remember that taking care of your brain isn’t just filling it with information. It is also doing things that make your brain feel good!