For whatever reason, starting school again for the spring semester after winter break is infinitely harder than the start of fall semester in August. Actually, there are about a thousand reasons. I think we can all agree that spring semester is kind of the worst. It's science. So if you're like me and absolutely despise the month of February, you are not alone, time to power through.
Let's get one thing straight: we may call it spring semester but a solid half of it takes place during winter. It's deceptive and I'm not a fan. When you say "spring semester" I tend to think of blooming flowers, sunny mornings, walking to class in bright colors and maybe a light jacket. It's a nice picture, right? Too bad we don't come close to that until at least April. The beginning of the semester usually involves battling below-freezing temperatures, icy winds, and whatever precipitation is falling just to make it to math class. Not worth it. Some people love winter. I like winter. Actually, that's a lie. I love snow, especially when it means no classes. If I still have to get out of bed, it's just a fluffy white annoyance. However, I really try my best to remember that winter is beautiful in its own way. Even on the gloomiest day in February, the dreary winter makes the cheerful spring that much better.
On that same note, dreary days are the worst. Almost anyone out there will agree, but some people have an actual psychological disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder or Seasonal Depression. Essentially, you are clinically depressed and cloudy winter days make it infinitely worse. Hopefully, no one reading this will immediately seek treatment just for hating the weather, but it's important to recognize that your mood is super important and can seriously impact the progression of your semester. Embrace sunny days and get your vitamin D wherever you can. It'll improve your life so much.
Once February finally comes to an end, the rest of the semester starts to look up! That's my thinking, at least, as I fool myself into believing spring break is closer than it actually is. Even if you don't get away for spring break, embrace it as the break it is. Work your hardest up to the last class, then unplug and relax to the best of your ability. I know, all of your professors assigned crazy amounts of homework, but try to schedule it in a reasonable timeframe so you can spend time on the beach, or even just on the couch. Breaks are totally not worth it if you come back just as drained.
Lastly, if you get some pretty serious cabin fever like me you find studying for finals in a cramped library to be literal torture. I try to get out and study in the sun as much as possible. It brightens my mood, it keeps my brain on top of things, and I can work on my base tan. Win, win, win! Find what works for you, don't pull your hair out studying if you'd rather be tanning.
All in all, spring semester sucks. Everything is different than fall and somehow your motivation gets lower and your bed gets comfier. Battling the overwhelming urge to binge Netflix or lay in the grass can make school work feel impossible, but recognize what your body is telling you and make the compromises to make it to May.
