I know you’ve felt it — the dark cloud that’s been hanging over the head of every college student since the moment the leaves started changing colors.
Seasonal depression has hit, and it has hit hard.
For some reason, this fall has been worse than most. Maybe it’s senioritis setting in, maybe it’s the incredibly polarized political climate of the United States or maybe it’s the mystery respiratory illness making its rounds.
Something about this fall is just off.
By the end of summer, I was more than ready for the school year to start. I’ve recently embraced my inner nerd, and I was excited to dive head-first into all of my courses. Not to mention getting back to editing at The Spectator.
But as the school year progressed, I felt myself losing this enthusiasm and falling into more and more of a slump.
When I saw this happening , I wasn’t quite sure what to do. As it continues to get colder and this perpetual gray cloud refuses to find a spot somewhere other than above my head, I’ve realized I need to make a true effort to get out from under it.
We live in a time when people are becoming much more open to the idea of regularly procuring a sweet treat. Personally, I am incredibly supportive of this, and for reasons other than just my sweet tooth.
I’ve come to realize that if it takes a $7 latte to get myself out of the house, then $7 is the fee I’ll pay that day for productivity. And I think that is perfectly reasonable.
As much as I love my cozy house, sometimes a change of environment is what it takes to get my work done. I’ll pay the $7 tax to sit in a cute coffee shop with a fun little drink so I can grind out a few assignments.
I’ve recently become a regular podcast listener. I like some mental stimulation to accompany things like cleaning or cooking. Sometimes music isn’t enough and TV is too much, so I find a compromise with podcasts.
Specifically, I’ve been really enjoying “Pretty Lonesome” with Madeline Argy and “Anything Goes” with Emma Chamberlain.
I love these podcasts because they provide witty banter and gentle advice without shoving information down my throat. These podcasts leave me feeling inspired but not weighed down. They’re educational but not tedious. Conversational but not too conventional.
I recommend taking a break from your regularly scheduled listening material and giving podcasts a try.
Finances are tough, especially in college, but I think it’s important to treat yourself. I recently coined the term “quality of life tax.”
By this, I mean things that are not medically necessary but positively contribute to one’s life.
For example, this could mean getting your nails done. Acrylics aren’t cheap, but if having your nails done makes you feel more put together, inspires you to get out of the house and get your work done or just makes you feel pretty, then that is a reasonable price to pay.
Maybe this means paying a little extra for a gym membership you’ll actually use, rather than $10 leaving your bank account every month for a membership at the Planet Fitness you never actually go to because your ex situationship from freshman year works there.
This could mean spending your pocket change on Spotify Premium because music motivates you. Or maybe dishing out a pretty penny for some nice quality earrings that don’t turn your ears green because jewelry makes even an outfit consisting of a hoodie and leggings feel complete.
It’s important to take care of yourself because burnout can and will sneak up on you when you least expect it. Look out for yourself like you would a friend, and remember you have to work with yourself, not against yourself.
Pay your quality of life taxes. The little things add up.
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