Despite the frigid weather, many of us are thrilled to be back from break. While we enjoyed being home, it was certainly time to come back with friends. Then, the weekend ends and classes begin once again. The evening before, make sure to set multiple alarms for a bright and early in the morning. I’m sure many of you, like myself, have to set at least three alarms, including one that rings more than 30 minutes before you actually need to get out of bed. When that third alarm goes off, everyone rubs their eyes as they look at the clock. Slowly, sliding out of bed, we know that if we don’t get up now, it’ll be embarrassing to be the student who walks into lecture late. Nothing is worse than the entire room, including the professor, staring, as you stroll in slowly, in the sweats that you pulled off of your floor.
Welcome to the second semester slump. It’s no longer a gorgeous day in Madison, with the sun shining high above Lake Mendota. It’s late January and all you can think of is how numb your face is and how warm you would be if you were still in bed. But remember, this is still the same school you chose. The sun may not be shining and your phone may tell you that it’s 15 degrees below freezing, but don’t let that stop you.
The first step is actually making it to class. For those of you who had enough trouble with this during the fall semester: I know this seems like I’m telling you to climb Mount Everest. (And yes, it will feel as cold as climbing Mount Everest.) Get dressed for class. By wearing pajamas to class every single day, you’re only encouraging your eyes to shut in every lecture hall. Put on clothes that you wouldn’t sleep in.
If you can, try not to order in every meal. Grab a group of friends and go out for dinner. Chances are whether you made it to class or not that day, you’re going to go out that night, especially if it is a Thursday or Friday. So why not get up now? Not only will you end up having fun, but there are more options that can help you maintain a healthy diet when eating at a restaurant. It will also help you get out of your building. Try meeting a friend after class for a meal. That way, you are encouraged to both go to class and go out for a meal.
Most importantly, make sure the classes you are enrolled in this semester are classes you are interested in taking. Even if you have to fill a general education requirement that you have no interest in–trust me, I did not want to take a science class this semester. There are hundreds of classes in each department for you to choose from. I enrolled in a science class that I think I will still care about and pay attention in. Personally, had I taken chemistry, I would be sleeping, failing and procrastinating at all costs. Fortunately, I had other options and can take a science class that doesn’t involve as much “stereotypical science”.
By slumping around for an entire semester, you’re more likely to get sick. If you spend the majority of your day in the same building without stimulating your brain, it is proven that you will get even more tired. With this gloomy weather every day, you certainly don’t need anything to increase how tired you are and I know you don’t want bags under your eyes. Get up, get involved and embrace the cold. By doing so, you will be able to stay healthy in a time when most people are getting sick and tired.
