The blaring sound of an alarm clock blasts into your eardrums at what feels like a hundred decibels. Reluctantly, you step onto your floor and a shiver runs down your spine as the bitterly cold air meets your skin. Your lips are cracked, your skin is parched, and your under-eye bags are accentuated from a lack of sleep. We get it. The January, February, and March slump can really get you down because it often feels like you’re stuck in the midst of madness. But, you can decrease the stress that this trying season brings by looking for joy in the small things in your life.

Finding Joy in the Arts

One of the best ways to unwind and get in your feels is by expressing yourself through the fine arts. Not only does this mean drawing or painting, but this also includes less traditional art forms like dancing, ceramics, and writing. With some music and good vibes, art can be a meditative and recuperative experience that aids you in speaking your truth without ever uttering a word. 

The Significance of Friendships

It is so important to find the people who build you up rather than wear you down. Spending time with true friends can be the most rewarding and refreshing way to cure a seasonal slump. Whether it be ranting to them about your frustrations or sharing a laugh at a party, friends can help you gain new perspectives on a situation and a more positive outlook on school. 

Catching “Zzz”s

One of the most overlooked solutions to your seasonal slump is getting more sleep. I completely understand the struggle to maintain an early bedtime, but an hour or two of extra sleep can often mean the difference between feeling rejuvenated and keen throughout your day versus feeling absolutely worn out. Some ways to implement an earlier bedtime are keeping your phone downstairs before bed or exploring herbal methods such as chamomile tea or melatonin. 

The Wonders of the Outdoors

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is getting outside to enjoy the fresh air. Though it may seem that spending time outside would only leave you more stressed (after all, you are surrounded by nothing but your own convoluted thoughts) it actually produces the opposite effect. Personally, I feel that when I spend time in nature, I am able to put my problems into perspective, and in doing so realize how insignificant they are in the grand scheme of things. Though the effects are unexplainable, they consistently remedy the soul in a way that nothing else can. 

Though implementing these tips into your life may feel foolish, these small changes can significantly impact the way you feel throughout the day. By appreciating the small things and choosing gratitude, you can cure your seasonal slump.