I don’t know about you, but every week, I have a bad case of
the Tuesday Blues. This is mostly due to the fact that I have five, yes, five
classes that day, four of them right in a row and one in the evening. Dragging
myself out of bed after a 4-day weekend (no MWF classes!) is one of the hardest
things ever; it’s a wonder I’m able to do it! Luckily, I’ve come up with a few
tricks that help make Tuesdays just a wee bit better. If you also have a case
of the Tuesday Blues, here are some ideas for how to feel better when all you
want to do is stay in bed and sleep.
1. wear a cute outfit
I know, I know, the last thing you want to do is actually
spend time buttoning a pair of pants when you’d rather just throw on an
oversized t-shirt and norts. I get it – they’re comfortable and appropriately
express how you’re feeling this morning. But actually taking the time to pick
out something cute to wear will make you feel better. While you’re sitting on
the bus surrounded by t-shirt-clad sorority girls, you’ll be rocking a cute
pair of shorts and an adorable top, and not only will you feel better, you’ll
look better, too. Can’t muster up the willpower to wear something else besides
your usual sorority girl uniform? Wear a bow, add earrings, slip on some cute
sandals, or spray on some perfume. Little changes make all the difference!
Actual pants?? Heaven forbid!
2. do your hair and make-up
I know it’s tempting to throw your hair back into a ponytail and run out the door, but sometimes, going the extra mile to straighten
your hair and put on some mascara makes you look and feel better. Maybe try an
easy ‘do, like a top knot, a side braid, or even an “I actually attempted to
make this look good” pony will also work (if
Jennifer Lawrence can do it, so can you!). For makeup, just do the essentials:
foundation, concealer, blush, and mascara. Go from hot mess to put-together in
no time at all.
Ponytail-spiration.
3. drink caffeine
Studies show that caffeine not only gives you more energy,
but it also helps focus, boosts metabolism, and makes you more alert, as well as boosts your mood! That
extra kick in the morning might be just what you need to change your day from
blah to cheery. Whatever your poison – coffee, Red Bull, 5-hour Energy, etc.,
you’ll feel so much better (and do better in class) with a little bit of that
sweet, energizing nectar in your system.
Totes me without caffeine!
4. eat your favorite breakfast
Or even a favorite meal later in the day. But breakfast is
known to kick-start your metabolism and to help you make better eating choices
throughout the day (portion control and food choices). Maybe take the time to
make eggs and bacon, a bowl of your favorite cereal, or a run to your nearest
Starbucks for your favorite latte (until next fall, Pumpkin Spice Latte). A
little happiness in your stomach will make for a better day overall.
My favorite breakfast - bagel, cream cheese, tomato, salt and pepper. So yum.
5. listen to happy music
Nothing makes me happier than walking through campus with a
super-great song playing in my headphones. I have a smile on my face, a spring
in my step, and a better outlook on the long day ahead when a cheerful tune is
acting as the soundtrack to my trek from class to class. Here’s a good playlist
of happy songs to put you in a better mood as you trudge from Heldenfels to
Blocker.
6. set a goal, find something to look forward to, or treat
yourself
Your day will go faster and seem less of a drag if you have
something to look forward to at the end of it. Try making a list of “rewards”
you can have if you can get through the day without collapsing in a heap
between classes, such as taking a nap or getting froyo with a friend. They can
be as simple or extravagant as you want them to be. My favorite format is: “If
I can just do __________, I can do/have ___________.” Fill in the blanks with
whatever your heart desires. If you have something to look forward to, you’ll
be in a better mood and be more likely to accomplish your goals.
My goal this week: boutique shopping!
7. do a chore
“Uh, what? I thought this was a list of things to make me
feel better, not worse!” Umm, it is, hang tight. I am literally one of the
messiest people alive, not in a gross way, in a “organizing constitutes as
piles all over the place, right?” kind of way. But when I actually take the
time to do a chore or two, I have a sense of accomplishment that makes me feel
better. It doesn’t have to be a huge chore, just something small like
organizing your jewelry, hanging up all the clothes on your floor, or cleaning
out a box of crap you’ve been neglecting. Once you finish, you’ll feel like you
actually did something, which is a reward in itself. If you’re a perfectionist
neat-freak crazy person, 1. I hate you, and 2. Take on a more elaborate task,
like “arrange my books in alphabetical order by the author’s last name” or
“color code underwear.” I don’t know what you clean people do, just go clean
something.
I think I'll start with cleaning out my purse....
8. work out
My least favorite thing on this list. I’d rather go on a
scavenger hunt for bobby pins than work out sometimes, but when I actually drag
my butt to the gym, I really do feel better when I’m done. There is something
so satisfactory about seeing that you burned 300 calories on the elliptical or
that you weigh 1.8 fewer pounds than last week that makes it so worthwhile.
Grab a buddy and head to the gym and get
those endorphins pumping for a mood boost in 30 minutes.
This counts as a workout, right?
9. play a game
Now that school has started, I have obviously decided to
start playing 1,847 new games on my phone as a way to pass the time I should be
studying. But sometimes, ten minutes of mindlessness can help you feel more
relaxed and put you in a better mood, especially when you’re in the middle of
your third 75-minute class of the day and your prof is talking about something
that isn’t going to be on the test. A few games I have been enjoying are
Scribblenauts Remix, a creativity game; Ruzzle, a word game; and What’s the
Word?, a logic game. Relieve stress and zone out for a few minutes to help your
mind recharge.
Because who wouldn't want to play a game where you can create Cthulu??
10. laugh!
Disclaimer: the following gifs might be too funny for
viewing in public areas. Proceed with caution.
But seriously, laughing has been scientifically proven to
put you in a better mood. Maybe look up some funny puns online or watch Sail
Cat on YouTube for the billionth time (my go-to video when I need a gut-buster.
Never gets old). I found some funny gifs that may induce a chuckle or two, too.
Still gets me every time...
So there you have it – ten ways to make you feel better on
this blah day. Try a few today and see if you don’t feel better, I dare you. A
few other things to try: painting your nails, napping, cuddling/petting soft
things (puppy store, anyone?), making good grades, reading a magazine, and
retail therapy, of course.
Hope your have a better day! BTHO Tuesday Blues!
Much love,
Sydney
