It's almost summer! You know what that means...the beach, the pool, road trips, you name it.
...Not yet. You just have to push through a little longer.
With the end of the semester here, you're probably tired and in need of relaxation. I get it. Until then, here are some small ways to boost your mood when you're just feeling, well, blah.
1. Wear some bright clothes.
Emma Barrera
I challenge you to take a break from your usual black clothes and put on a bright-colored shirt. Do something different with your outfit. Take a risk. As weird as it may seem, it can boost your mood a little.
2. Treat yourself.
Heather DeSalvo
Treat yourself! Head to Insomnia Cookies and grab some fresh-baked cookies. Go to Starbucks and try something new.
3. Get moving.
Heather DeSalvo
If you're too busy to go to the gym, that's fine. Just get out of bed! When I'm in a rut, I get outside and take a brisk walk to keep myself energized.
4. Go somewhere else.
Heather DeSalvo
A change of scenery can really help you feel a little more engaged. Drive out to a new coffee shop you've been wanting to visit. If you live in a city, take the subway to a part of town you love. Walk around campus.
5. Look at cute dog pictures.
Holly DeSalvo
This is one of my tried and true methods to cheering up. I go on Instagram, type in #pugs, and look at all of the adorable puppies on my feed.
6. Make some tea.
https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-drinking-tea-coffee-cup-865304/
If you're feeling anxious, make some hot herbal tea.
Believe it or not, caffeine can really change your mood and even make you more anxious. Focus on how the warmth feels in your body and take a deep breath. It won't make your anxiety go away, but you can at least feel a little more grounded.
7. Laugh.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-female-standing-near-building-structure-1586483/
Look up a Vine compilation on YouTube. That's all. My favorite is "Vines that butter my croissant."
8. Put on a face mask.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw7BdLcB7JF/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
You're probably thinking, "That's literally what everyone says to do." You're right. But there's a reason.
No, putting on a face mask won't make your problems go away, but it's a way to pamper yourself that doesn't take much time. Your skin will look great too!
9. Light a candle.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/love-your-life-clipboard-decor-811575/
If you're like myself and are living that #dormlife, you probably can't light a candle, but if you can, I envy you! I recommend candles with vanilla notes to them, or even lavender if you're into that kind of fragrance. These scents are really comforting after a long day.
10. Drink some cold water.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-drinking-water-1458671/
Cold water jolts your system and forces you to pay more attention.
11. Breathe.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-air-beautiful-beauty-321576/
Breathe. I'm not talking about deep breaths when you're doing work. I'm talking about putting your work down, closing your eyes, sitting there for a minute, and just breathing.
