It's that point in the semester. You know the one. Midterms are petering out to a close and fall break is becoming a distant memory. You're not exactly sure where you stand in any of your classes, and the anxiety is becoming overwhelming, the weather's getting colder, and the sky is darkening quicker than you'd like. Luckily a national holiday falls right on this awful in-between point in the semester. Here are 6 Halloween traditions to keep you going.
1. Making a leaf pile
What better way to curb mid-semester stress than making a huge leaf pile and jumping in it? If you choose a spot by campus uninhabited enough, the untouched leaves actually smell quite nice as a bonus (not even joking).
2. Watching a Movie
Hocus Pocus, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Halloweentown, need I say more? Halloween season is the perfect time to be ~spooky~ and ~nostalgic~ at the same time. Funny movies, creepy movies, and nostalgic movies are all valid choices when in charge of movie night equivalent if the AUX cord.
3. Carving a pumpkin
Be funny, be topical, be creepy. Impress your friends with your knife skills by carving an amazing pumpkin to illuminate.
4. Cooking and baking
Cooking and baking not only smell and taste good, but it can serve as a good stress reliever. This time of year can cut into socialization and eating time. Kill two birds with one stone and cook with friends, with no harm done to your scheduled nap time.
5. Not procrastinating
Email that professor, start that essay, read that chapter. Write to-do lists full of simple, doable tasks. Trust me when I say, checking those things off and going to bed with as little anxiety as possible is a rare but great feeling.
6. Indulging in warm drinks
Try something new (I recommend matcha lattes, but that's just me). Get rid of those chilly nights before the dorm heating kicks in for the season with a nice warm sugary drink or tea.
7. Listen to new music
Is there a new album everyone has been talking about? See what all the hype is for and get on it! Now that the weather is colder, you're probably not missing out on anything staying inside and playing it in the background while you study.
8. Party
It's Halloween season. Take advantage of the parties happening on and around campus by going ahead and letting yourself go out with friends. Don't feel guilty about letting yourself have a good time on a Friday night if, realistically, you'd be in your dorm procrastinating anyway.
