Students blog

Second semester is upon us, and unfortunately so is the cold. Some people may love the cold, but for me this often means staying inside my room locked away from the frigid weather and the rest of college. While it is nice to cuddle up with a movie every now and then, too much time in the dorm room can lead to inevitable loneliness and what many of us call “winter depression.” So here are a few ways I motivate myself to get out even when its unbearably cold!

Workout Classes

Now you could throw on some gloves and a hat and go for a run outside, but I personally cannot do exercise in the icy cold. Therefore, to stay active in the winter I love going to different workout and exercise classes! Whether I go to a nearby yoga class or a spin class in my school’s gym, working out with others always gets my spirits up. I also highly encourage getting a buddy to go with you and make the group class that much more fun!

Trying New Food

My favorite thing during the season of cold weather is sitting down with a warm bowl of soup or plate of delicious pasta. One thing that always makes everyone happy is food! Either by going with friends to a new restaurant or simply trying a new dish at your dining hall, getting out of your room to try new types of food will always reduce any type of “winter depression” that may come your way.

Find a Study Spot

I usually do all my work in my room, but when it gets to wintertime, I like to try and find a new place to study on campus to keep myself from procrastinating and crawling into my bed. There is always the library on campus, but I encourage you all to find a new study spot that might lift your spirits rather than depress them. It could be a nearby coffee shop, a random couch in the student center, or even a table at the dining hall!

While the winter months may make you want to hide under a blanket, taking minor actions such as these can help combat feelings of loneliness. Stay connected to your community and Spring Break will be here before you know it!

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When taking a survey of different students' favorite seasons, the majority will most likely answer with the same seemingly apparent answers, 'summer' or 'fall'. Some even include spring. However, very few individuals will give this awarding title of "favorite season" to the colder winter season. As a college student, specifically in a colder climate, the winter months seem to last an eternity and can sometimes be onerous.

With the colder weather comes more sickness, less time outside, and inevitably more stress. Introducing healthy habits to maintain well-being can look different to every person. Taking care of yourself can consist of staying active, trying new things, and incorporating mindfulness and self-care into your daily routine. As we trek through the low temperatures and snowy forecast, we as college students must prepare in the best way possible and learn to care for ourselves amidst wintertime.

It is easy to neglect our health and well-being within these colder months as college students overburdened with exams and holidays, now face cold weather walking from class to class. The biggest concept that college students lose grasp on is remaining consistent with healthy habits throughout the colder months. It is no surprise college students are more active during the warmer months when a walk outside consists of shorts and a t-shirt rather than a long parka or scarves and hats. This concept that physical activity has tremendous benefits on individual happiness and overall well-being is not a simple old wives’ tale. Physical exercise is a scientifically proven inducer of serotonin within the brain. Trying to accomplish a workout, walk, or exercise class a day can be incredibly beneficial to one's overall happiness and stress levels.

During the colder months, it may be harder to stay motivated and consistent regarding our own health, however, one trick I have acquired to stay consistent is free workout classes. At most college recreational centers, typically available to all students, are free and accessible workout classes. Some of these classes can range from cycle classes to cardio dance.

While healthy habits are critical to incorporate within your routine, something as simple as a mentality change can drastically improve already instilled habits and routines. Something my father taught me that I carry throughout my daily routine is that you cannot control what happens, but you can control your attitude. Each day of these long winter months, it may seem impossible to remain positive when you must walk twenty minutes to your 8 am class in twenty-degree weather. However, with mindfulness one can approach their day with positivity, inducing an overall better day-to-day.

Another trick I have found that induces overall positivity and personal well-being, while making the winter feel shorter, is planning an event or activity that I can look forward to throughout my week or month. This system of ensuring there is always something to look forward to makes the cold winter months seem to move on a little more quickly. As the spring semester moves along, students look forward to spring break where we have planned trips and vacations, a well-deserved break easy to anticipate. However, these events or activities do not have to be anything grand or costly. One can plan to cook dinner with their friends or perhaps see a new movie on its release date.

Winter can be an extremely challenging time for many, especially for college students with heavily filled schedules and stress. Taking care of yourself is so important year-round but it can look different in the winter months when we as students aren't able to be outside, stay active, or employ self-care routines and activities. Establishing healthy habits such as remaining active indoors, utilizing campus resources and classes, practicing mindfulness and positivity, and planning and prioritizing self-care is essential to thrive throughout the cold weather. By incorporating these tips, whether it be one or all, one can navigate the hardships that may come along with wintertime.

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You really should be crying more! No, seriously! Crying is so advantageous for the stressful life of a college student.

Not only is crying a natural response to external and internal stimuli, but it also does some interesting things to help the human body. Before we go into how crying helps you, let’s first look into its composition.

Tears are not only made from water, but they also contain proteins, mucus, electrolytes, and various oils. Some of the proteins contained in tears include lysozyme, lactoferrin, lipocalin, and IgA. These all serve different roles in helping the body. Lysozyme and lactoferrin are antibacterial and IgA is an immunoglobulin which helps boost the defense of the immune system. When you cry you also release various hormones which differ depending on the type of tears.

There are tears such as basal tears that help keep your eyes moist and protect them from debris and things in the air. Another type are reflex tears which are triggered by irritants. There are also tears that stem from emotions and that is where a lot of the variation in the hormonal composition of tears is seen.

Crying releases hormones such as oxytocin which promotes bonding and reduces stress, and endorphins which can ease both physical and emotional pain. Crying even flushes toxins and cortisol out of the body. Crying also activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which promotes rest and digestion.

To cry is to be human – it’s normal, natural, and so beneficial.

Most people have the totally wrong perception of tears and believe they hold no significance besides emotional instability, but crying can benefit you in so many aspects. So, the next time you feel the urge to cry, go ahead, your body deserves it.

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Fitting time into busy schedules to get exercise is important for college students to maintain good health. Many students may hear ‘exercise’ and think of lifting weights at a gym, but there are many other ways to do it. It may seem a little daunting if you do not consider yourself an active person, but there are easy ways to get to incorporate exercise into your daily life. All it takes is finding what works for you and makes it enjoyable.

Hit the Gym

One of the obvious ways to get exercise is by going adding time to go to your campus recreation center. Most university rec centers offer a variety of facilities and classes for student use. If you are not that comfortable going by yourself, go with a friend. That makes it more enjoyable and at times you will forget you are even working out. Lifting weights isn’t the only option either; you can walk the track, do yoga, or sign up for a group fitness class and meet new people. If you like team sports, getting involved in campus intramural sports is a fun way to combine exercise while playing your favorite sport.

Take a Walk

Another way to get some exercise is to leave your car behind, skip the bus and walk everywhere you can on campus. Doing this allows you to get some fresh air and clear your mind. You can also walk to your favorite food spots on campus which allows you to save some money, a reward for being more active and gives a purpose to the action. Many campus communities have scenic trails around campus if you are more of a nature person. These are more practical ways to get exercise and work great for everyone.

If you live in a walkable area, consider walking with friends wherever you are going out, too. Not only will you get good exercise you will also save a good amount of money from not Ubering or using Lyft. You will also be with friends and can make it a fun adventure. This is a good way if you are a more extroverted person and go out a lot.

Finding a creative way to fit exercise into your daily life will help you feel better physically and mentally, which can lead to better grades as well. Choosing to walk not only allows you to get some exercise but can also save you money. Who doesn’t want to save money while in college? Get your friends involved, too, and make some positive lifestyle changes together.

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Reading for recreation has become immensely popular for college students in recent years, and I can hardly say that I’m surprised. Being a new adult and experiencing life on your own for the first time can be scary. It definitely helps to escape to a different world where the problems are solvable, like when we were kids reading Hunger Games or Harry Potter. However, I know that it can be hard to find books to get into that allure and entertain you, especially when you may be feeling burned out from your academic reading. Here are 5 books to start you back into the magical world of reading.

5. The Grace Year by Kim Ligget

If you absolutely loved books like The Hunger Games and Divergent as a kid, then this is the book for you. It follows Tierney James as she enters her ‘grace year.’ In her world, this is the year that sixteen-year-old girls are sent out on an island to use up all their magic, so they don’t disrupt society. Think of it like a girl’s version of Lord of the Flies. This book is action-packed with an inspiring ending and maybe even a dash of romance.

4. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Video game lovers, this one is for you. This story is a love letter to video games and the creative process of making them. It follows Sam and Sadie, two best friends in the 80s who reconnect as college students and develop a popular video game just as gaming is becoming popular. The story follows them as they learn how to be adults and live in the real world.

3. Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper

This is a sweet queer fantasy romance that involves a competition to become a town’s head witch. Wizards of Waverly Place anyone? This book also talks about how awkward it can be coming back home after you’ve grown up and changed. This is definitely something that commonly happens in college and maybe the main character Emmy can help you through that in your own life, too.

2. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

If you’ve seen the movie that this is based on, you should give the book a try! They actually have completely different endings. This book is about Robert Neville, the last man alive in the zombie apocalypse. It has science and action and adventure as he tries to survive.

1. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

If you enjoy Knives Out and The Glass Onion, this book has very similar vibes. Avery receives a letter with news that one of the world’s richest men has left her his entire inheritance and she has no idea why. To figure it out, she has to go to his house and deal with his slighted family and the seemingly infinite number of puzzles that he left for her. This book is fast paced, adventurous, and has a little bit of romance on the side.

Hopefully these books can get you started into the mystical world of literature while in college. Reading is a great form of self-care, and these books are a great place to start. No matter what life throws at you, books are an excellent escape and can help us regain our composure before going back out into the world.

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Health and wellness are imperative for every human being, but as a college student, we are in a season of our life that requires immense focus which can be physically and mentally taxing. At the start of the year, I set an intention to prioritize balance, and part of honoring this intention was ensuring that my body was balanced. To do this, I made time for activities such as yoga, working out, eating healthy, and juicing and boy, has it changed my energy levels and overall outlook. Here’s how my health and wellness journey has impacted my day-to-day life. Implementing some of these habits could elevate your reality, too.

Developing A Consistent Rising Routine

During the first 20 minutes after you wake up in the rising, your brain is moving from lower frequency alpha brain waves into higher frequency beta brain waves. It is important to be intentional with what you choose to do within these 20 minutes because it can greatly affect your mood and energy for the remainder of the day. I start my days by doing a hygiene routine that consists of washing my face, brushing my teeth, and doing my hair. After this I do a 10-to-15-minute meditation to gain some internal clarity, give gratitude, and set intentions for the day. This step is really important to me because it keeps me aligned and grounded for a long day of school and work.

Implementing Fitness in Different Styles

Movement is medicine. Prioritizing movement can positively affect the way your brain processes information. Exercising has been shown to “promote all kinds of changes in the brain including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being.” (Helpguide.org) One of my favorite ways to add exercise into my schedule is by doing yoga. Yoga allows me to develop a deeper connection between my mind and body by doing breathe-to-movement flows. This drastically increases my focus throughout the day and helps my body feel good.

Healthy Eating Habits

It can be very difficult to try and eat healthy in college depending on dining options and proximity to grocery stores with fresh foods. My university is in a rural area, and I live in an off-campus apartment meaning I don’t have a meal plan so it’s always my job to ensure that I have food for the week. I really love shopping at stores like Trader Joe’s or Aldi because they have healthy food options at good prices. I meal prep on weekends so that I do not have to take time to cook in the middle of the week when my schedule is packed. I also try and make fresh juices such as pineapple, orange, and ginger juice because it helps keep my body clean and boost energy levels. I believe that you are what you eat, and putting good in allows you to get good out making it very important to be intentional about what you put in your body.

No matter what you’re facing right now in college, there is always room for improvement. Implementing just one of these habits consistently will help you so much in the long run. There are so many ways to get these things right, just go and try it! Don’t hold back or worry about getting it all correct. As I have shared, practicing these healthy habits improves my day-to-day life immensely which is what brought me to share it with you.

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College life can be stressful. We as students are thrown into independence with sometimes minimal guidance while also juggling work and heavy course loads. I have been attending therapy since I was in early elementary school, and I will never fail to recommend someone to begin seeing someone. There is a large stigma against going to therapy, specifically that your problems aren’t big enough or there must be something wrong with you. Despite what some may say, going to therapy during college can be extremely beneficial and allows you to grow not only as a student, but also as a person.

Unbiased Listener

Going to therapy gives you someone to talk to without a bias on the situation. The adult world can be difficult to navigate, and there are going to be instances when you doubt yourself or your decisions. Many students seek advice from their friends or parents, and they are met with subjective opinions rather than advice. Your counselor, on the other hand, is there to listen and supply advice (if wanted), but they are also unbiased towards your life. This creates a pure feedback system that you can use moving forward.

Manage Mental Health

Alongside unbiased conversations, counselors supply an outlet to relieve stress and anxiety. All college students can agree that these times are some of the most stressful ones we will ever experience. Depression and anxiety have been quite common in our generation as of recently. Counselors are licensed professionals meant to help navigate and combat these troubling waters; many students are under the impression that they are alone or overreacting to their situation prior to visiting a counselor. Having an outlet outside of your household helps relieve the weights on many shoulders while it also supplies other information into daily activities to avoid stress.

Feel your Feelings

Everyone’s therapy experiences will be different, which is a good thing. I go to therapy to talk to someone about my week and get things off my chest that I may not feel comfortable sharing with family or friends. Therapy has enhanced my communication skills as well as my problem-solving skills. I’ve learned panic is normal, but not necessary, and it is okay to feel your feelings because they are valid!

No one is broken for wanting to seek out help from a counselor. I will forever be grateful that I made the decision to begin talking to someone at an early age, and it is never too late to start. Just because we are thrown into independence does not mean we have to do it alone!

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As a college student, I have found that it can be challenging to find a balance between my academic and personal life. Now as a student in my final year in college, I have learned the importance of prioritizing both aspects of my life. The following three tips have helped me be successful in the classroom while also making time for important people and hobbies in my life.

Knowing when I am most productive

Something that has helped me academically is recognizing what time of the day I am most productive. For me, I am most productive in the morning. To work on this strength, I wake up earlier to start getting work done. This allows me to get most of my work done and then have more time in the day for myself.

Scheduling time with friends but also alone time

Spending time with important people in my life is something that keeps me motivated when it comes to academics. I enjoy going to get coffee with friends, studying together, and going out for dinner. I’ve also realized that I sometimes need to have time to myself. Some activities I enjoy doing by myself include going on walks and reading. Giving myself this alone time helps me to feel more present when I am with my friends and family.

Making a prioritized list

Having a planner and staying organized is something that has helped me throughout my four years in school. On Sundays, I fill out my planner according to my class schedule and personal activities. I also have found it helpful to make a to-do list and prioritize the list in order of importance. For example, an assignment with a due date quickly approaching will be at the top of my list. I then continue to add to the list the tasks that must get done.

It is important to recognize that these tips may not be effective for everyone. Find out what works best for you and your lifestyle. Sometimes school can feel overwhelming, and it feels like there is so much to get done. Finding what helps you balance your academics and personal life can help ease those feelings. Next time you have those feelings, I hope you can try one of these tips or find something that works for you.

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Going to the University of Tennessee, I am constantly reminded of how beautiful my campus is and why it’s called “Rocky Top,” but we all tend to forget the natural beauty of the world. As college students, we are subject to submerging our heads into our laptops to meet deadlines and study for important tests; however, college students agree to set the electronics down and go outside for Earth Day every year. With many opportunities at my disposal, I tend to go outside very often. There are 3 places that have made it to the top of my list, but every day outside reminds me why this act is important.

Ozone Falls in Rockwood, Tennessee

Last year for Earth Day, my roommate & I visited Ozone Falls in Rockwood, Tennessee. This destination has a large waterfall accompanied by a large swimming hole at the bottom. When we arrived, we were expecting a long hike, but to our surprise this gem was easily accessible. The sight itself was breathtaking, but the freezing water of the swimming hole continued that feeling.

Yonah Mountain, Georgia

In the fall, I traveled down to the Georgia area and hiked Yonah Mountain with a friend. The hike itself was taxing, but the view at the top was so rewarding. It reminded me that the hard things don’t come easy, and there are so many hidden gems that people are unaware of because of the demanding work it takes.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

More recently, I made my way across the country to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. My family & I visited the Wolf Creek Ski Resort which happened to be a hidden snow gem with some of the most snow in the state. We were all able to enjoy awesome powder every day, and I was able to fall without worrying about breaking my arm.

I have not stopped thinking about these three spots since I visited them, and I will probably be a returning customer. I found myself present in the moment without digging into my phone, and I was able to fully enjoy the views in front of me. Most importantly, these areas have influenced me to explore and find similar places.

Our Earth is beautiful, and we forget that way too often as we distract ourselves with electronics. There are many separate places to visit in every state and escape from the stressful world we live in. This is your sign to start going outside every day, not just Earth Day!

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