When winter at Loyola evolves into spring, life can get pretty tough, especially in terms of mental health. I’ve been there and I get it. In order to make the transition a little easier for you, here are some of my personal tips and tricks to avoid burnout. 

Winter can be extremely difficult for me as a college student. It almost feels like the temperature drop is directly correlated with a major decline in motivation, and then I struggle to get back to where I once was academically come springtime.

It’s even more emotionally draining when you’re grappling with mental health issues. I’ve dealt with depression my entire life. It waxes and wanes, but in the winter it seems to hit full force. I’d describe it as an old toxic friend, one you keep trying to ghost, but they never seem to let go of you. My depressive episodes linger in the background, waiting to try and take control of my life again. They are never wanted and they always seem to appear when I think I’m doing my best. 

Spring at Loyola for me has forever been a reset. As soon as the flowers bloom in Audubon and I get some sun, my faith in humanity or even in myself appears to be restored. I start putting more time into my academics as well as my social life. Spring is hopeful, it is rejuvenation, a chance to metaphorically start over. A chance to exhale. 

While I felt that way at the beginning of March, I can’t say I feel that way right now. And that’s okay. If you’re feeling the same way, that’s okay too. 

I’m pretty sure that I am experiencing what some would call the begrudged “Sophomore Slump.” I bit off way more than I could chew at the beginning of the year–even the semester, and now I’m paying the price. My connections with friends and roommates is dwindling. I’m skipping class more than I ought to. My creativity is at an all time low. I can’t bring myself to care about anything at all, and saying it out loud or even writing it out is terrifying. So what can I do to fix it? If you feel similarly, what can you do?

Starting small or taking baby steps means to prioritize mental health–physical health, too–above anything else. Remember it’s your first time living. Treat yourself gently. Maintain boundaries with yourself and others: for example, if you don’t feel like going out, don’t do it. Stay in and have a self care night instead. Take an everything shower, watch your comfort show, order some food, and breathe. 

Now, I don’t want to sound like your mother or your therapist, but hear me out because I’ve been down this road a thousand times before: try and implement some discipline in your routine. Having a routine has been proven by psychologists everywhere to aid your mental stability. If you’ve been struggling with missing classes or getting out of bed, try and reward yourself by getting a sweet treat or reading the book you’ve been planning to read after going to class. If you’ve completed an assignment, reward yourself in other small ways. Perhaps there’s something you’ve been wanting to buy for a while. Do it, why not? I’m talking low risk, high reward here. 

I know this semester can be a lot. Time seems to move by faster than usual, and after Mardi Gras nobody wants to do anything. Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge you may not be in the best headspace right now, but also acknowledge that you’ve been here before and you have the strength to get out of it. If spring is all about rejuvenation, remember to rejuvenate yourself first, whatever that may look like.