It’s that time of year. Everyone around you seems to be dragging their feet around, blowing their nose, and crossing their arms in the chilly weather. I almost always come down with a cold around the same time each year, the middle of the fall season, no matter how hard I try to avoid it. It’s not just the sickness though. Early November always seems to bring a wave of grim faces and mindsets.

I think part of it is that schoolwork, like projects, papers, and studying, is in full swing. It’s only a few weeks until Thanksgiving break, so teachers are hitting it heavy with the exams. Late nights studying lead to stressed and tired bodies. Stress and lack of sleep can actually weaken the immune system too, making it easier for a person to get sick. The change in weather definitely does not help either. I tried sanitizing my room, washing my hands every chance I got, and even making sure I was consuming lots of vitamin C to avoid getting sick, but I guess it is inevitable when you live on a college campus where sickness spreads like wildfire. So, with sicknesses, gloomy weather, and stressful classes, I’ve been trying my best to fight the fall fatigue.

Even though I’m more of a summer person, fall really is a beautiful season. The scenery outside is colorful and lush, the temperature isn’t unbearably cold yet, and I love to see fall decorations outside of people’s houses. Not to mention, now that Halloween is over, we are one step closer to Thanksgiving, which means a short break from school, spending time with family and friends, and delicious, warm, home-cooked meals (in addition to lots of leftover Halloween candy). And if you’re one of those people who starts playing Christmas music as soon as November arrives, kudos to you (although I tend to think that it’s a little bit early yet). Do whatever makes you happy. I encourage everyone to find something positive in each day. Always take some time to treat yourself and relax, especially during the stressful times, and fight that fall fatigue.