From burnout to balance: Mental health tips for the autumn season

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By Brooke Brinker, Social Media Manager

Fall has arrived, and as amazing, fun, and cozy this season is, seasonal depression, loneliness and being burnt out is very real.

As we get closer to the middle of the school year, students get overwhelmed and tired of class, exams, and projects.

As much as we want to be productive and happy, feeling those feelings is perfectly normal.

If you feel homesick, sad, or tired of feeling like you are doing the same thing over and over again, here are some ways to overcome this.

How to overcome Seasonal Depression

Make a playlist of happy songs and go for a long walk, or listen to it on the way to class, to put you in a better mood. This will give you something to look forward to when you’re off to class.

Getting outside overall is great for mental health. The crisp fall air is coming, so doing schoolwork on a picnic table or watching the sunset on the dock will make your heart happier.

Making a happy playlist of all your favorite jams will make your days more joyful! (Photo was screenshotted by Brooke Brinker)

Adding little things to your day that you enjoy will help you get through this hard time as well. Find a new hobby, join clubs, do a fun craft, or hang out with friends on campus.

Speaking to someone who might be going through the same thing as you, or something similar, would help you know that you are not alone.

How to overcome burnout

Burnout is very common among college students. We all go through it.

Ways to help you get through burnout are making a list of your assignments to complete for one day. Take your time and focus one day at a time.

It can be stressful when deadlines are getting closer, but as long as you stay organized and plan your assignments out, it will help you not feel overwhelmed.

Sitting at a desk and doing homework for hours is not fun. Switch it up every once in a while! Go to your local coffee shop, a park, or even the beach. Change your normal routine into something exciting.

Go to a cute cafe and grab a festive fall drink! You can sit down, relax, and work on your schoolwork in a new, happy environment! (Photo was taken by Brooke Brinker)

Many college students try to get all their work done fast, so it can be completed and out of the way. However, it is okay to take breaks and do your schoolwork when it is the right time for you in the day.

“It’s essential to prioritize self-care and establish healthy routines. What I do is listen to Worship Music and talk to friends about how I feel,” said Tamar Olguin, a senior majoring in Clinical Psychology.

How to overcome loneliness

Making friends in college is hard, especially when you miss your family and hometown friends.

It might sound silly, but you can be your own best friend. Do your favorite activities and hobbies alone and find contentment in that. You will eventually find your people in college.

If you are in a season of loneliness, I promise, you will find your people. If you already have best friends, do activities with them, and talk to them about what you’re going through! (Photo was taken by Marylynn Bourgoing)

You can also join clubs at Saint Leo University. For example, if you are interested in scuba diving, there is a Scuba club with people who have the same interests as you. You can bond over the things you love and talk about them together.

Overall, as the seasons change and summer goes away, it can be hard to adjust, and it can be tiring with busy schedules every day. But we are all in this together.

Breathe, you will be okay!

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