My Guide to Feeling Better

March is a long month, since daylight savings has just begun, and our days are now longer. Recently in class, my professor pointed out that we have no breaks or days off this month, which is a scary thought. Honestly, as it feels like everyone has been waiting for spring break to arrive. This can be extremely overwhelming, especially as we begin to feel burned out and stressed.

How do we deal with this? 

I would like to preface this article by telling you that I am not a life coach or a therapist. However, I have had my fair share of tough days and through it all, I have always found a way to get better. I recently noticed that I typically follow the same routine to feel better every time. 

Without further ado, here is my personal guide to feeling better. 

1. clean your environment

When we are truly going through it, we often let things in our rooms pile up and allow clutter to sit around for long periods of time. The environment will start to make you feel worse, so before you let it add to your stress, clean it. It will be one less thing to worry about later. 

2. journal about it 

In your new, clean space, start to clear your mind. Light a candle and begin listing the things that are bothering you. I take to my notebook or notes app and begin describing what is on my mind. Sometimes, I will rank the things that are affecting me so that I really can get a grasp of my own emotions. Follow along with some journal prompts if you need to (Pinterest and Tiktok have plenty).  

3. buy yourself flowers

Take the time on your next grocery trip to pick up some roses for yourself, or make a whole bouquet. A lot of times, we think of receiving flowers for special occasions and we wait for someone else to buy them for us. Why not treat yourself to some? I like to buy myself flowers on a regular basis, but especially when I am in a slump. They’ll look great in your clean space, freshen up the smell, and you will have done something just for you.

4. get out the house

Put on your favorite music and leave your house. I like to go on a drive, walk, or run. They all allow me to be focused on something different than what is causing my distress. You cannot answer any emails or type away at a desk. You have the job of getting from point A to point B and back to point A.

5. ease the load

Most of the time when we are feeling down, it is because of stress. Our lives can be filled with an endless amount of things to do. I am definitely guilty of always saying yes to a million things, regardless if I am sure I can really take on the load. It is important to learn how to say no and give yourself periods of grace. You can skip one club meeting to give yourself an extra hour to get your homework done. 

When you get through the guide, take yourself out to get boba, an iced chai, or whatever your favorite drink is. Give yourself the time you need to heal and destress. Talk to someone you trust about what is going on and cry if you need to. 

Those five steps have helped me get out of a lot of slumps. The guide is nothing crazy or out of the ordinary; it sounds simple because it is. You’ve possibly done these things before to help yourself, but hearing it from someone else may give you more of a motive to follow through with it. 

You don’t even have to wait until you are already burned out to do these things, you can make them aspects of your weekly routine as a precaution. 

Life will get easier. Breaks will come. Your life is not over. I know whatever it is that you are going through, you will get through it. 

• HCCLU
• mental health
• self love guide
• self-care