No matter what year they are, students come back to school in the fall with same feeling: excitement (even if some won’t admit it). Everyone is thrilled to see their friends again, and those that live far away are ecstatic to be back in their home-away-from-home town.
But that’s first semester.
Second semester is different.
Homework and projects start piling up, classes seem never-ending, and summer is lightyears away.
You’re not alone if your semester is dragging on with no end in sight. The Second Semester Slump is like a vicious virus that overtakes every student, but do not worry -- it’s not life threatening.
In the name of helping students everywhere, here are eight simple yet effective, and incredibly easy, ways to push through the slump that inevitably comes with second semester and finish the year strong.
Go outside.
Seriously. Get outside. According to the Mayo Clinic, the limited sun exposure that accompanies winter can cause a drop in serotonin levels that result in depression. This is commonly known as "SAD" -- seasonal affective disorder.
In addition, being outside in the sun in the morning is a natural stimulant and helps you wake up. Plus, morning sunshine reinforces your body’s internal clock and will help you fall asleep at night.
Exercise.
Besides all of the obvious physical benefits of working out, exercise releases neurotransmitters in the brain that are necessary for happiness and pleasure. And, although it seems counterintuitive, exercising will boost your energy, even if you’re already tired. Plus, getting your sweat on will help you sleep better at night, which in turn will help you stay away through those boring lecture classes.
Don’t be intimated, however. You don’t need to mimic Michael Phelps’ weight lifting schedule to reap the benefits of working out. Taking a long, briskly paced walk will do the trick!
Talk to someone.
Life gets hard, and talking with someone will help you realize you are not alone in the way that you are feeling. Whether you’re just venting or looking for advice, talking to a close friend, family member or even school counselor can help you clear the messy thoughts in your head.
Remember that reaching out to a school counselor can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make in college, and that those people are hired by your school specifically to help students. It’s a resource you should take advantage of if you need it.
Go to the humane society.
Many humane societies allow volunteers to come in and simply play with the dogs and cats looking for homes. No training is necessary, and you can come whenever you like and stay as long as you like. Not only does this get the animals some much-needed attention, but it’s a proven fact dogs are good for your mental health.
Studies show that people who spend time with dogs on a regular basis feel less anxious and have reduced stress levels. Plus, pets have the ability to put people in a more positive and upbeat mood.
And if you’re looking to combine this with the "Go outside" tip, there’s an organization called Tails of the Trails that partners with local humane societies to take shelter dogs on hikes. You literally get to hike with dogs and it counts as community service. Definitely hit that up.
Try something new.
Sometimes the slump that comes second semester is just that- a slump. You’ve probably been in the same routine for a while now, and trying something new will get you out of that rut. Some suggestions: take a new fitness class like kickboxing. TITLE Boxing in Nashville is a great workout and you’ll never, ever be bored. Often times students get discounts at gyms or at least can try a beginner class for free to see if you like it. If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, try seeing a new band at a live show or simply going to a new restaurant.
Road trip!
You don’t have to travel across the country to have an awesome road trip. Grab some friends, pile in a car and head to a nearby city that you don’t get to go to often. Go for the weekend, takes tons of pictures and enjoy your (brief) escape from reality! Every student knows that school can be demanding, and a mini-vacation with some awesome people is an awesome way to take a break from responsibility and have some fun.
According to mental health professionals, downtime actually reduces stress and likelihood of depression, as well as increases productivity. So technically, you’re just being a responsible student.
Volunteer.
One of the best ways to help yourself is to help other people.
Studies show those who volunteer feel more connected with their community, and therefore, are less likely to feel lonely or have depression.
Students who volunteer are more likely to volunteer as adults and tend to have a better sense of self-worth and purpose.
Chances are your college is already linked with dozens of local volunteer organizations doing everything from tutoring elementary students to coaching after-school sports at the YMCA. Getting involved will not only shift your focus onto helping others but will help you understand how much of an impact you can have on your community.
Journal.
Write. Write about anything and everything. It doesn’t have to make sense, it doesn’t have to follow any rules or abide by proper grammar usage. You don’t even have to read it after you write it.
Writing regularly helps you clarify your thoughts and feelings, rather than feeling unsure about your emotions.
Journaling has also been shown to help solve problems more effectively. Since we typically utilize our left-brain for answers, engaging the right half of the brain will add creatively to the search for the solution, which may turn out to be correct.
If that’s not enough, writing helps you know yourself better. You will routinely acknowledge what makes you happy and feel confident, as well as what situations are toxic for you, all of which is important for your well being.
