Our education system likes to be optimistic approach by

calling the second semester of the year the “spring semester.”     

Okay…so, when was walking to class in bone chilling cold or slipping on ice in front of everyone considered spring? It’s ironic, and quite frankly, it is just plain wrong.      

If you agree with me, then you might be suffering from a condition called Spring Fever. This condition has been tormenting the minds of students for centuries, giving them false hope and amplified desire for the winter to end and spring to get here already! Therefore, here are the symptoms, side effects and possible cures to diagnose yourself and get through the Midwest winter.

SYMPTOMS: 

• Headaches 
• A vampire’s attitude towards sunlight 
• Chronic laziness 
• Mood swings 
• Alienation

SIDE EFFECTS:

• You take the bus to places and classes right down the street. There’s no way you are spending one ounce of your day in the cold! 
• You binge watch Netflix every chance you get. Hey, your bed is the warmest place you know! 
• No matter if you get your eight hours of beauty sleep, it is still a struggle to get out of bed. 
• You start denying going outside anytime past 4 p.m.
• The only things you eat or drink are things that are hot. Got to love Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup, coffee and tea.

CURES:

There is no magic pill that can help with Spring Fever, but fear not, there are a few tricks to help get you in a better state of mind.    

• Be as social as you can! Finding things to do with your friends is the easiest and fastest way to get through the winter sanely. Whether it is going to the movies, going out to eat or just hanging out, being with friends is a way better option then waiting for spring to come lying under your bed sheets. 
• Find fun in the outdoors. If it is snowing, don’t run for the hills! Get some friends together and relive your childhood by building a snowman if it is not too cold. Then go back to someone’s house and reward yourself with a nice hot beverage. 
• Go to public places often. Study in libraries, coffee shops and just go hang out among people. That way you won’t be tempted to watch Netflix and waste your day away in bed. 
• Think of 5 things you are grateful for a day. Yes it is cold outside, but thinking about having a warm house to go home to, or hot food to eat can really change your attitude about things. Getting through this winter won’t be easy, but with these little tips, we can welcome the spring with open arms!