| Remember months ago when we said that 2020 was going to be our year? What happened? Who would have thought 2020 would have begun like this? Not me! It has been 6 weeks of experiencing this pandemic play out. If you are like me, it has been difficult understanding all that has been going on in the world. If I am being completely honest with you, at first I did not take this virus seriously until a couple weeks ago. When the word got out about COVID-19, I just thought that it was something in another country so we would not have to worry about it, but I see that it is affecting us all. I think we can all say that this season has been interesting right? With all that is going on, I have had my ups and downs. Some days, my challenging days consist of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a form of depression triggered by the changing of seasons according to Healthline.com. When I started college in 2014, I began to experience weird thoughts and emotions that would affect me during certain seasons. Some weeks ago, I found myself feeling: hopeless, unmotivated, irritated, confused, and alone and I found myself having a hard time wanting to spend time with God. If we relate, sometimes it can be challenging to get out of this kind of funk. Sometimes I convince myself that this pandemic is allowing people/the world to R E S T … well kinda, but when reality + emotions hit, it is not that easy. It is hard sometimes to ignore all that is going on in the world and I think everything began to affect me some weeks ago. While going through this funk, I began to think about what I could do to combat all that I have been feeling. If what I have been writing about relates to you, I hope my advice helps in some way :) Here are 5 ways that have helped me in this season:
Oil and incense make the heart glad, and the sweetness of friends comes from their advice Proverbs 27:9 2. Allow yourself to feel. By allowing yourself to feel, you are allowing yourself to process how you are feeling. While taking time out to feel what you are experiencing, try naming what you are feeling, such as sad because … or irritated because … or worry because … naming your emotions can help you process what happened. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 3. Prioritize your time with Jesus. Since being out of work, I have had more time to spend with the Lord. Some days I am more motivated than others. I have found it calming in this season to go outside, sit on my yoga mat, listen to my worship music (I have been loving Maverick City Music lately), journal, cry … just be with the Lord. Because of the pandemic, a lot of things have stopped and a lot of my distractions have also stopped which has given me slowness to help me hear God throughout the day. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 4. Get some S U N. Going outside has helped me tremendously during these crazy weeks. With prioritizing my time outside, I have been able to go on walks, go on prayer drives, exercise outside and get some fresh air. Did you know that sunlight can increase serotonin which aids in mood boast? Did you know that sunlight also gives us vitamin-D which can help with depression? Getting some sun can help more that you may think. With that being said, make sure you are wearing you sunscreen! From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. Psalm 113:3 5. Give yourself G R A C E! I hope you understand that this season is crazy for us all. We all are struggling some way -- somehow. Everyone that I have talked to has been going through the motions and it is okay! It is okay not to be okay. Allowing ourselves to be imperfect is beautiful, yet difficult. In this season along with every season, the only hope we can cling onto is Jesus and because of Jesus, we have been given grace, so we deserve to give it to ourselves as well :) Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord 2 Peter 1:2 |
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Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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