I've been in a rut for the longest time. A good friend of mine said that the summer after freshman year will be the hardest one in your college experience. Man, was she right. But here is how I got myself out of it:
1. Mend A Broken Friendship.
I recently had a falling out with my closest friend and it just felt wrong not having her in my life anymore. Things were awkward the last few weeks of school and I was tired of it. I needed her back. BADLY. I texted her addressing the elephant in the room. It was a big risk but it was something I was willing to take, and it paid off. We're back as BFFs and I couldn't be any happier.
2. Do something that you used to love.
I started listening to the podcast "Smart Podcast, Trashy Books" a few years ago when I was getting back into reading after not doing it for so long. Honestly, I've missed it so much and turning the podcast back on again was like reconnecting with past happy memories. That also goes for podcasts as a whole. I listen to them as a way of self care to get out of my head. It's like you're in a conversation without having to participate.
3. Learn a new language.
Learning anything is a really exciting feeling to have. I started going to Farsi lessons due to it being a huge part of my father's upbringing growing up in Iran, and it being his first language. I wanted to learn it due to it being a huge part of my culture. Learning languages as a whole is exciting because it opens so many doors for opportunities and new friendships.
4. Read a book.
I've noticed that the blue light that comes from the computer, phone, and iPad really is something that makes me feel anxious/depressed. I know that some will argue that you can turn them on night mode, but you're still in front of a screen. I love reading because it gets me out of my head, and I'm not worrying about what is going on in my life, but rather in the character's lives on the page.
5. Sleep.
I've noticed a lot of the time when I'm sad, it's because I'm tired. I've noticed I get the most sad at night and that is when I'm like "I need to sleep. NOW." And then when I wake up in the morning, I forget what I was worried about the night before.
6. Go outside.
A recent study has stated that "Three-quarters of U.S. teens and adults are deficient in vitamin D..." according to Scientific American. We are not spending enough time out in nature. We are too worried about what is going on online, so we have closed ourselves in our bedrooms that we don't go outside and play like we used to while growing up.
7. Get a pet.
I know not everyone has the means to get an animal, but it can be anything. It takes the attention off yourself and puts it on your pet and worrying if they're okay. While you are focusing on taking care of your animal, you start to get happy seeing how your animal baby is happy.
8. Listen to happy music.
If you're sad, please don't listen to sad music. It will only make you feel worse. Even if you're currently not happy, try to listen to happy music. Focus on the words and the tune. You're bound to feel better in a little while.
9. Watch Netflix.
It sounds counter-productive, but there are a lot of good shows to get you out of your rut. I recommend Queer Eye; those boys are so adorable and caring to each other and the people around them. The only sadness you'll feel is the 10 seconds between watching each episode.
10. Journal all your negative thoughts, then throw it in the fire.
Even in my lowest moments, I've always kept up with my journal. Writing how you feel on paper gets it out of your head and out on paper. One thing I suggest is getting a cheap composition book and writing all your negative thoughts on it and set that on fire. Obviously be safe about it; throw it in a fire place where it can be contained or a fire pit, but when you're done, make sure you put the fire completely out.
Overall, happiness is a choice, and what you want to do is your choice. I'm just here to help you out and give you tips to get you back to your happy self.
