The Major Keys to Staying Positive During that Mid-Semester Slump

Aside from its pure taste, dark chocolate actually stimulates the production of endorphins and contains serotonin, which acts as an antidepressant. The benefits of eating dark chocolate are all over the internet, but it’s easy to forget how much it can actually help! Some chocolate a day keeps the bad vibes away.

Another you have probably heard before, but running and exercise in general can do wonders for your stress levels. As hard as it is to get the willpower to get out of bed, put on clothes, and plan your route, it’s worth it. You end up feeling super motivated, healthy, and productive, especially since you accomplished something besides problem sets and essays.

Whether you believe in the weird juju or not, if Mercury is out of retrograde and it’s predicted that you’ll have a huge success later this week, you’re going to get a little optimistic about the rest of your week. You’ll constantly be wondering if that freaky moment your horoscope predicted might come true, and you might even make it happen yourself now that you’re feeling ambitious. Rely on the stars for a good looking future!

Listening to music can determine your entire mood. Whether you’re ready to rally, need some motivation, or just want a sweet voice to lift you up– there’s a playlist for it. Browsing through new playlists and discovering artists and songs is a great pick-me-up because you might find your new theme song to carry you through anything.

When you’re feeling down, nothing’s better than escaping into a new little world. Reading for pleasure is almost a lost art in college, but it’s important to indulge in the super empowering feels a hero(ine) creates in hopes they translate into something you can use in real life.

Having more energy is guaranteed to elevate your mood. Channel that energy and let loose with some dancing! Going crazy to some music for a couple minutes can set your whole day on a positive and energetic track, ready to face whatever new stress factor is thrown at you. Pro-tip: this works best while getting dressed in the morning.

Whether it be mac and cheese, cookies, or lasagna, grab some friends and cook together! It’s great to feel like you’re having a real meal and also to enjoy some homestyle food with your friends. Laughs will inevitably result from poorly following the recipe and there’ll be a delicious outcome in the end that’s a sure-fire way to brighten up your day. You might even get some leftovers out of it, so grab the nearest foodie, crank up the stove, and get to work.