A Guide to Boost Your Mood
By Drew Owens
December 8, 2023
Photo Credit: Photo by Mark Adriane from Unsplash
As the semester wraps up and finals season approaches at UMD, we reach the time of year when many students feel burnt out and tired.
Alexis Brown, a sophomore public policy major, has been feeling the stress of all her work piling up and dealing with outside extracurriculars, such as her job at Starbucks. However, one way she manages stress is by making sure to get enough sleep.
“I feel refreshed after a nap, and I am ready to finish the rest of my day,” said Brown. “It makes your overall mood happier.”
Sleep is crucial for our bodies, as it allows our brains to recharge, according to the American Psychological Association. Sleep can also affect our memory, and if people get enough sleep, it helps boost their mood.
Giving yourself and others words of encouragement can not only boost your mood, but it can help others remain optimistic.
Anju Rajah, a sophomore double-majoring in business management and computer science, also suggests that you should give yourself a pep talk every once in a while.
“It is something to help others stay positive, and it helps me when I need to calm myself down when I’m nervous or anxious,” she said.
Rajah also advises people to stay positive and think about exciting events in the near future, like the weekend or upcoming breaks.
“It is best to have something to look forward to get you through those tough moods,” said Rajah.
The weather can also significantly impact an individual's mood. Moving into the winter season brings cold weather and less sun exposure, causing seasonal depression for many students. Seasonal depression can cause feelings of isolation, lack of motivation, and negative feelings.
Seasonal depression occurs for most people in the fall or winter,as the lack of sunlight causes the brain to have a chemical change, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
During this time of year, some UMD professors understand the stress of finals and encourage students to find something that will help them stay positive and in good spirits.
The Associate Director of the College Park Scholars Justice, Legal, and Thought program, Professor Justine DeCamillis, recommends that students come to talk to their professors before their finals and recommends office hours.
“Some students may think that they are not doing well in their classes or that their professors do not like them, but in reality, we want students to come to us,” she stated.
DeCamillis suggests that students should let off any steam or heat they may feel. An excellent way to do that is to walk to Eppley Recreation Center, where they have a pool and a sauna. Taking homework breaks, spending time outdoors, dedicating daily time to talk with a friend, or watching a show are also good ways to promote positive feelings when feeling down.
Everything can seem very stressful and hectic during this time of year, but being able to find an outlet to keep you distracted can help takeaway all the stress. If anyone needs help the Counseling Center in Shoemaker Building offers drop-in skills sessions, one-on-one appointments, and other resources.
Alexis Brown, a sophomore public policy major, has been feeling the stress of all her work piling up and dealing with outside extracurriculars, such as her job at Starbucks. However, one way she manages stress is by making sure to get enough sleep.
“I feel refreshed after a nap, and I am ready to finish the rest of my day,” said Brown. “It makes your overall mood happier.”
Sleep is crucial for our bodies, as it allows our brains to recharge, according to the American Psychological Association. Sleep can also affect our memory, and if people get enough sleep, it helps boost their mood.
Giving yourself and others words of encouragement can not only boost your mood, but it can help others remain optimistic.
Anju Rajah, a sophomore double-majoring in business management and computer science, also suggests that you should give yourself a pep talk every once in a while.
“It is something to help others stay positive, and it helps me when I need to calm myself down when I’m nervous or anxious,” she said.
Rajah also advises people to stay positive and think about exciting events in the near future, like the weekend or upcoming breaks.
“It is best to have something to look forward to get you through those tough moods,” said Rajah.
The weather can also significantly impact an individual's mood. Moving into the winter season brings cold weather and less sun exposure, causing seasonal depression for many students. Seasonal depression can cause feelings of isolation, lack of motivation, and negative feelings.
Seasonal depression occurs for most people in the fall or winter,as the lack of sunlight causes the brain to have a chemical change, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
During this time of year, some UMD professors understand the stress of finals and encourage students to find something that will help them stay positive and in good spirits.
The Associate Director of the College Park Scholars Justice, Legal, and Thought program, Professor Justine DeCamillis, recommends that students come to talk to their professors before their finals and recommends office hours.
“Some students may think that they are not doing well in their classes or that their professors do not like them, but in reality, we want students to come to us,” she stated.
DeCamillis suggests that students should let off any steam or heat they may feel. An excellent way to do that is to walk to Eppley Recreation Center, where they have a pool and a sauna. Taking homework breaks, spending time outdoors, dedicating daily time to talk with a friend, or watching a show are also good ways to promote positive feelings when feeling down.
Everything can seem very stressful and hectic during this time of year, but being able to find an outlet to keep you distracted can help takeaway all the stress. If anyone needs help the Counseling Center in Shoemaker Building offers drop-in skills sessions, one-on-one appointments, and other resources.