Heartbreaks and Brainbreaks

Four weeks in, it’s obvious that school is officially in full swing. The sudden onslaught of midterms, projects and homesickness can often leave us feeling overworked. Adding in first heartbreaks of the year can make for a nasty mix. Bad days, breakups or even boatloads of work can sometimes make you feel like your universe is spiraling out of control. However, through it all, it’s important to remind yourself that this is your college experience, and that you refuse to let anyone or anything ruin it. Here are a few tips that can help you work through those rainy days when you feel more than a little miserable.

1. Grab a bite
This may sound simple enough, but people who are experiencing sadness have a tendency to isolate themselves. Rather than holing up in your room and having everything Tapingo’d to your front porch, round up some of your friends and go out for a meal. Being surrounded by other people will distract you, and maybe even help you get out of your own head for a bit. Also, your friends might help put things into perspective.

2. Go for a run
Getting some fresh air in your lungs and hitting the pavement might not be for everyone, but it certainly does help get out some of the frustration and anxiety that a bad midterm or relationship might have left behind. I recommend heading out early in the morning or a little after dusk, when campus is less crowded and you can better cancel out all that noise buzzing around in your head.

3. Watch a movie
Sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing at all. Instead, just grab your favorite set of pajamas and fill a mug up with hot chocolate or your favorite tea. After that, it’s just you and Netflix. Have at it!

4. Make a playlist
For many of us, it often seems like the only people that really understand how we’re feeling are on the other side of our earbuds. So take a few minutes out of your day to make a playlist that helps get you going, and blast it on your way down Trousdale. If all else fails, you’ll always have Beyoncé.

5. Get away
Whether this means going home or going to the beach, detaching yourself from the rigors of college life for even a few hours can help clear your mind. A change of scenery will allow you to reevaluate your priorities. This will help you come back revitalized, and ready to pursue whatever it is that you choose wholeheartedly.

6. Phone a friend
Take a minute to call your high school partner-in-crime, your sibling or even your mom. Sometimes it’s best to talk to someone who is removed from the situation. They may have insight that could help you decide how to adjust to the demands on your time and your emotions.

College is a place where clocks seem to tick faster. Sometimes we get so caught up in our busy schedules that we forget that we need some space to breathe in order to feel our best. Take some time to try out one or more of these tips to help balance your emotions.