Let's be honest, the weather is dreary and we're still a bit far away from Spring Break. The ominous Dark Ages of the Academy are starting to set in. Instead of staying in misery and getting dragged down by the gloom of the home stretch, follow some handy-dandy tips to fill your life with a little more (figurative) sunlight.

1. Eat what your heart desires.

Best to execute this step after taking the PRT.

2. Rate Media. Just kidding.

PLEBES: This article is my no means possible justification if you are caught by your training staff.

3. Punch Someone (for educational purposes only).

Use your martial arts classes to your advantage. Make sure all parties are aware they could be punched in the face.

4. Veer away from cynicism as much as possible.

We get it, you're sad. You'll only make it worse if you give in to that massive hole of despair.

5. Buy some stickers.

I don't know about you, but buying things makes me feel better. Especially if those things make me smile every time I see them.

6. Sprinkle glitter on everything.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Messy, colorful, potentially disastrous, desperate measures.

7. Treat yourself to a scone.

Channel your inner Beyonce and indulge in some baked pastries.

8. High-five someone. If you must, high-five yourself.

Nothing beats the satisfaction of a perfectly-timed and crisp high-five between two awesome people.

9. Have a dance party. Disco lights are optional and possibly out of regs.

I-Ball is coming soon. Get ready to unleash the killer dance moves no one saw coming.

10. Attempt to steal the Bear-Shark.

Not advised. The wrath of 25th Company will come back to haunt you. Still, no options are completely off the table.

11. Entertain the CMOD. Alternatively, get people to entertain you if you are the CMOD.

Let's be honest, the things you see and hear as the Mate can make your day.

12. Prance across Hospital Point.

I know you've missed Brave-hearts.

13. Think about how you're no longer in Plebe Summer.

Things could be so much worse. At least (hopefully) no one is yelling at you.

14. Watch a video of a fireplace burning wood on one computer screen; do homework on the other.

Warm your cold soul with a fake fire. I swear it'll work wonders.

15. Sleep as much as possible.

It might be tempting to stay up, but future you will be very grateful for even another 20 minutes of shut-eye. Instagram can wait, it will not run away from you.

16. Make a small goal for every day.

Get better every day; even if it's in the smallest way possible. Feeling accomplished = feeling super awesome (Trust me, I'm really good at math).

17. Purchase a pinata and have a squad inning to release your feelings.

All watching are recommended to remain a large distance away from designated pinata.

18. Complain to your roommate. Allow said roommate to complain to you.

Mutual disdain for a common topic is perhaps one of the fool-hardy ways to make true, lasting friendships.

19. Study some ProKnow (someone has to be that Plebe).

If you are that Plebe, wow. Remain motivated, my friend.

20. Remember how lucky you are to be here.

Your life is awesome. You're surrounded by some of the best people you'll ever meet. A lot of people fought for your spot. Fight every day to show yourself and the world that you deserved the position you were given. Embrace all the moments that suck just as much as the ones that rock, and make yourself better every day.

Stay humble, stay thirsty, and always, always, always, expect to win.

"The views expressed, [in this article] reflect personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Naval Academy, the United States Navy, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.”