After a long hiatus, I am back and ready to give unaccredited, unsolicited advice again. While I have you, I want to talk about something that I know a lot of us are feeling right now: the spring slump. Whether you’ve just submitted grad school applications, internship applications, job applications or are waiting for your MayX to start — or maybe just really excited to finish one of your classes — you’re probably feeling the slump. If you’ve ever hit submit and then immediately thought, well, now what? — you’re not alone.
So, how do we deal with the butterflies (or the full-blown, all- consuming anxiety) of waiting? I won’t lie, I’m still figuring it out myself, but here’s what’s helping me right now:
Stay busy — but with intention. We all know that feeling of refreshing your email every five minutes, hoping for an update. It’s not healthy (and let’s be real — the emails come in when you stop looking). So instead, make a little list of things that you’ve been putting off: catching up on readings, reorganizing your closet, even baking banana bread for no reason. If it’s a productive distraction, I call that a win!
Celebrate small wins. If you turned in anthe application — that’s huge! If not, find another small win! We’re over halfway done with the semester! Reward yourself. Seriously. Buy yourself a coffee, go for a walk around the lake, or treat yourself to a milkshake with what little food points you’re budgeting. Little victories deserve little celebrations.
Talk about it. If you’re feeling antsy, chances are your friends are too. Bond over it at DH and talk about the waiting game together. Sometimes just saying, “I’m losing my mind,” out loud makes it feel a little less heavy. If you think you need professional advice, I recommend looking into the Trone Center for Mental Fitness or a therapist around Travelers Rest. Don’t let anxiety control you.
And while we’re on the topic of friends —
Illness is going around again. What if my friends are feeling sick? First of all, the flu has been AWFUL this year, and I am so sorry if it got you. My friend group was down for genuinely about a month because every time someone got better, someone else got worse. Being sick away from home is so hard. You miss your people, your bed, and the time to rest, recover and actually be sick. The best thing you can do when your loved ones are sick? Be a helpful presence. Pick up some Gatorade and some soup from the DH. Send them notes from class. But don’t forget to protect yourself too: wash your hands, keep a healthy distance and put your health first!
What if your roommate is sick? This one’s trickier. Definitely keep your distance when you can, but also be kind. Maybe leave them a little Post-it note or offer to grab them food or supplies. And if you need to escape for a bit — go sit in the sun for a while. Find some peaceful spots for a breather.
Speaking of needing a change of scenery… where’s a good study spot? If you’re tired of your usual routine, I highly recommend:
Library steps (especially on a sunny day)
The benches or picnic tables by the lake (the breeze coming off the water always reminds me of home)
The Science Library in Plyler if you’re feeling studious but need some quiet
Or my personal favorite: set up a hammock and reconnect with nature (and maybe people watch)
At the end of the day, whether you’re waiting on decisions, battling procrastination or just trying to make it to the end of the semester — you’ve got this. We’re all in the same boat, and sometimes just sharing the chaos makes it feel a little less… chaotic.
As always, leave your questions, thoughts, and ramblings here for my next article: bit.ly/3YAokNx
All my love,
XOXO
Bea