No matter how old I get, the word “September” always brings about a wave of unease. As soon as the month begins, I am reminded of the sharp pencils, bright blues of barely-worn denim and the overpowering scent of Bath & Body Works’ Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin hand sanitizer. (What can I say? It was a must-have in my seventh-grade class.)
From kindergarten to fourth-year university, we all feel the nerves, the angst, and of course, the excitement of a fresh start in the fall season. As the semester begins, it seems as if we’re all jumping up and down on the starting line, bundles of nervous energy, just waiting for a shot to fire, telling us that it’s time to run.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional layer of unease sits atop our normal school worries. Some of us are learning from home, while others are experiencing a brand new back-to-school. I don’t know about you, but I feel a sort of lingering restlessness in the air. It doesn’t help that the leaves of the trees are rearing to change.
Now, before we get swept up into a whirlwind of assignments, readings, and midterms, I would like to share with you five life-changing tips I’ve discovered to help cope with autumn and all of the stresses it brings. Through the new wave of studies, life, and impending cold weather, I can assure that these tips will leave you feeling refreshed!
1.MAKE TIME TO SEE FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES
With classes, homework, and packed study schedules, it can be difficult to prioritize social activity, especially with some of us still in online lectures. As an introvert myself, I can also understand the feeling of dread when it comes to making plans. Something that I’ve tried to do in the past, however, is set aside some time at least every couple of weeks to hang out with a friend, or talk to a loved one. I encourage you to do the same! Communicate with people who can support you and make you smile, whoever they may be. This time can be isolating, and you deserve to show love and feel loved in return.
2. SCHEDULE “ME” TIME. SERIOUSLY.
Something I’ve recently started adding to my calendar are small blocks of uninterrupted “me” time. And I love it. “Me” time looks different for everyone; maybe you enjoy knitting, reading, or watching movies. Maybe you love a nice bubble bath, or taking yourself out for ice cream. Whatever makes you feel good, make time for it — seriously. You don’t need to wait until you’ve accomplished something big, either! Allow space in your life to take care of YOU.
3. TAKE A BREAK WHEN YOU NEED IT
I’m sure you know the feeling. You have so much on your plate, and you can’t waste a single second. Deadlines are approaching, and you need to get things done. You push and push yourself until your to-do list is complete, even though you were ready to quit two hours ago.
While I understand the importance of deadlines and hard work, something I’ve started doing this past month is just walking away from my computer for a moment when I feel myself getting overwhelmed. Maybe I’ll cook something, go for a quick walk, listen to a few songs, or watch a short TV show. I highly recommend this to everyone! When your body is telling you it’s time for a break, listen! It will make you feel better in the long run.
4. EXERCISE (SORRY FOR THE CLICHÉ)
As cliché as it sounds, prioritizing some movement in your day-to-day life really helps a lot. I used to think that if I wasn’t doing my normal full workout, or if I simply had too much to do, that exercising in a single day wasn’t really worth it. Turns out that if you take some time to go for a quick walk or do a few minutes of stretching or yoga, it can be life-changing! I’ve tried to incorporate some more outdoor walking (weather permitting) into my daily routine recently. I find that whenever I walk outside for even half an hour, I always return to my work with a clearer head and much more energy!
5. ESTABLISH MORNING AND EVENING HABITS
Another cliché, but hey! They really work. For the fall semester, something I have tried to do is establish non-digital morning and evening routines that allow me to better frame my day. I’ll have a cup of tea in the morning when I wake up, take my vitamins, and write out my to-do list. In the evening, I’ll do some light stretching, apply my skincare, and journal for a few minutes. Routines look different for everybody, and you’ll know what works for you. I’ve found the most success with creating very simple habits (e.g. drinking a cup of water or washing my face) and going from there. These little tasks should help you relax, and provide you with dedicated time to take care of your needs.
Whether we like it or not, the fall season is here to stay. I hope you are able to implement some of the above tips, and take care of yourself as you work, study or rest this season! I’m confident we can make it through these autumn blues together. Now, if you need me, I’ll be at my local Bath & Body Works, trying to get a hold of all of the new fall scents!