As we approach the end of the semester, it’s easy to feel drained and unmotivated. With days being so short and the sun going down by 5 p.m., it feels like you can’t accomplish anything in a day and you’re left feeling hopeless. Finals are approaching, all the due dates turn into one overwhelming mess and you just can’t wait for it to finally be holiday break time. 

Don’t worry, fall semester burnout is a real thing! Our bodies are literally wired to release melatonin when our environment gets darker, so it makes sense to feel drained and exhausted by early afternoon when the sun is setting. Although there is nothing we can do about this, we can implement a few habits to overcome the “winter scaries” or Seasonal Affective Depression Disorder (SADD)- I know, ironic right?- and get back your motivation, creativity and energy. Here’s three things you can do to get out of a slump.

First, go on a walk. At the beginning of the semester, campus is full of students walking to class or simply taking a lap around campus. As the colder months approach, everyone seems to prefer to take the bus or their car to class. Although the weather doesn’t incite students to be outdoors, fresh air, sunlight and exercise have been proven to improve your mood. 

According to Tori DeAngelis of the American Psychological Association, just going on a walk is enough movement to increase blood flow and blood circulation to the brain and body, this triggers the brain to release endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, otherwise known as the “happy hormones.”

Next, pick up a hobby. With end-of-the-semester projects and exams, we often feel like we don’t have time for anything but school. The truth is that we do, we just choose to spend our time in the wrong activities. When we want a quick break from schoolwork, we think doing any activity but doomscrolling would take too long. We say we just need 5 minutes of TikTok time in between tasks, but, in reality, almost 50% of college students spend an average of four to six hours on their phones a day. 

Instead of scrolling, spend some of your free time doing a fun activity that doesn’t involve screens. Read a fun book, color a mandala, take a quick yoga class on YouTube, go to a craft store and make bracelets or learn how to crochet. Doing any of these will leave you feeling more productive and relaxed at the end of the day.

Lastly, go to “third spaces.” This chilly weather sure makes you want to stay in bed all day, cuddled up in blankets, but, it is important to get out and visit places other than your classes and bed. Going to third spaces like a coffee shop, a park or a bookstore allows you to socialize, even if you don’t feel like talking. You get to hear people laughing, friends catching up, babies cooing and dogs barking. 

It gets you out of your head and lets you just be for a moment, plus if you choose to go to a coffee shop, you can always get a warm seasonal drink or treat that basically guarantees instant happiness. A great place to visit when you just need to take a break from life- and my personal favorite- is Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse in downtown Kent. Not only does it have a great selection of pastries, teas and coffee, it is also a second-hand store where one can spend hours looking at their broad book, vinyl, CD and memorabilia assortments. 

Don’t let seasonal depression get to you this winter, your happiness and mental health are equally- if not more- important as your grades. Also, if you walk to downtown Kent in search of a third place to do your hobby of choice at, you’d apply these tips all at once, it’s basically a three for one on wellbeing. Just remember, this too shall pass and break will be here soon!