By Ariel Bowen

So, I’m in a slump and maybe you are too. As a college student and just a person living life, it’s not strange to feel a little down from time to time. Sometimes it can last a day or even weeks depending on just about anything. Between a terrible cold, midterms, and just life in general, this whole month has felt like I’ve been stuck on a really terrible rollercoaster. That being said, I wanted to share some of the ways I was able to pick myself up over the course of this month.

STOP

Too often do I find myself on the verge of breaking down because I’ve been pushing myself nonstop. So, just breathe. Take a day off, get some sleep, go out and have some fun. Whatever you do, just stop working yourself for a minute. We all need a break every now and then, it’ll leave you feeling refreshed and a lot more like a functional human being.

GET CLEAN

I know, I know, the idea of cleaning makes me want to hide in a corner too, but I’m telling you, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Now, I’m not saying you should go into full spring cleaning mode, (but more power to you if you’re willing) just start somewhere small. Maybe your desk is beginning to look not so much like your desk and more like a mini avalanche waiting to happen. Clean it. When your surroundings aren’t so cluttered, your life will feel a little less messy too.

WORK IT OUT

Okay, so maybe this is starting to sound more like a list of things that make most of us want to cry instead of feel better, but as much as we hate to do it, exercise is good for you. It keeps you healthy, relieves stress, and it just feels great. So get out there and do something! Get those endorphins moving and that positive energy flowing! You’ll come out feeling like a brand new person.

EAT UP

Do not, I repeat, do not pig out until you don’t even know what full feels like anymore. Trust me, you will only end up feeling worse in the end. But what you can do is treat yourself to some of your favorite foods. I know I always feel on top of the world after a bowl of pasta. So grab a bar of chocolate and enjoy! I mean, you made it through another day, you deserve it.

GET IT DONE

You know that thing you’ve been putting off for way too long now? Do it. Maybe it’s that book you’ve been meaning to finish, or a project you’ve wanted to get a start on. Get to it! No matter how small the accomplishment, it’ll give you that boost of confidence you need to finish the bigger things going on in your life.

REACH OUT

Most importantly, please talk to someone. Whether it be your parents, a friend, a mentor, anyone, just let someone know what’s going on with you even if you feel like it’s not a big deal. We all know what it feels like to have a bad day or even a bad month, and just talking it out can do a world of wonders.

Life’s hard and if we want to live a life worth living, we have to get through the good and the bad times. Maybe you won’t break out of this slump of yours just yet, but hopefully these tips will make the rough days a little bit easier. Stay strong and keep pushing, it’ll be worth it!