Earlier this year, during a particularly hard Franklin Post late night, I realized I needed to pull myself together. Senior year malaise mixed with overall existential angst had put me into survival mode, and I wasn’t doing enough things for my own happiness and health. During the winter season, I, and many others, can struggle with a worsened mood from the lack of sun. I made a list of simple things I could do to help ground myself during these dark and cold days, such as “get out of town,” “go off social media,” and “actually use my planner.” However, I knew I needed more creative ideas. So, like any self-respecting classroom leader, I decided to make my issue everyone else’s problem, and hung a piece of paper on the whiteboard, titled: “How Should I Get My Life Together?” My fellow Franklin Post staff members left suggestions, some more attainable than others (sorry, “get a third cat” likely will not happen, although I wish it could), and as the list grew longer, what started as a joke became a to-do list for myself. Here are some of the things I did, and the results, in case you need some things to ground you this winter:
I didn’t go on social media for one (1) day:
This day was remarkable, actually. I was at the beach and decided that wasting away in self-pity, insecurity, and Fear of Missing Out or FOMO (all by-products of social media usage) was not a productive or healthy way to spend my time. When I woke up, instead of immediately checking Instagram or Tiktok, I proceeded to lie in bed and ponder what I would eat for breakfast, and what I could wear. I was brutally reminded, however, that since I had forgotten to pack more than two shirts for my trip, I would be wearing the same thing as the day before.
I allowed myself to check Snapchat once or twice, as some of my friends communicate solely through the app. I did not check stories or snap anyone back, other than the people who had sent me specific messages. I was doing pretty well until around four in the afternoon when I picked my phone up and subconsciously opened Instagram. I immediately felt sick. I failed to realize how nice the day had been without the persistent nag that I was missing out or not as happy as everyone else. The next day, I went on social media again, and it didn’t feel good. Since my one day without it, I have been attempting to go on social media less, because of how free it made me feel.
This one day of ditching social media taught me that I am addicted to it. It’s embarrassing to say, but I’m sure it’s relatable to many others. I also learned that social media makes me feel anxious and sad. On the rare occasion that it’s useful to me (quick news updates, keeping up with old friends/far-away family), I appreciate it for that. But in the future, in order to keep myself focused on things that truly matter, such as real-life connections and things happening in the moment, I will attempt to only go on social media in small doses and refrain from checking it whenever I have free time. I can always find something better to do, even if it’s just sitting with my own thoughts.
I got out of town:
Oh, what a life we live here in Oregon. It’s not common to live an urban life in close proximity to beautiful nature spots. My family and I went to the Oregon coast for a three day weekend, and the combination of the brisk air plus the crashing waves sounding out any nagging worries made it a wonderful get-away. I highly recommend leaving the monotony of everyday life at some point during this winter, even if it’s just a short day trip to enjoy the beauty of Mt. Tabor.
I sat on a bench and listened to sad music (whilst getting motivated to become a girl boss):
This activity was a suggestion from a classmate, and I’m so glad I did it. I listened to songs by Gregory Alan Isakov and had some much-needed time for self-reflection. As it gets colder and the days get shorter, I feel “down” more frequently, due to the lack of sun. I try to counter this by taking vitamin D pills every morning, but the feeling can be hard to avoid completely. Getting outside, even to just sit on a park bench, has been greatly beneficial for me.
I shaved my legs:
This was another suggestion from my class. I shave my legs occasionally, and when I do, it usually makes me feel more put-together. But let me tell you; this time, the shaving experience was catastrophic. I had thrown out my old razor before realizing that I didn’t have a replacement. Instead of going to the store, I decided to scrounge around my house for another one. But the only razor I found was old and rusty, which I dug out from under a pile of old sample toiletries and cotton swabs. Already, I was not off to a good start. While shaving, I used pretty high-quality shaving cream, but unfortunately for my legs, it didn’t compensate for the horrific razor quality. My shaving experience ended with four cuts on my legs and an overall burning sensation that took a few days to disappear. My conclusion: shave if you want, but if you don’t have the right materials, skip it. Body hair is meant to keep us warm in the winter, anyways.
I changed my sheets:
Yet again, another suggestion from my classmates. According to the Sleep Foundation, it is recommended that you change your bedsheets once a week. I can safely say that this has never happened for me because I’m a solid once-a-month sheet changer. So, in the spirit of reorganizing my life, I decided to commit to changing my sheets twice a month. I will say, it might’ve been a bit longer in between than that, but overall, clean sheets made me feel much more put together. And, it’s been proven that having clean pillowcases improves facial skin health and prevents breakouts, so why not change your sheets more often?
I took a nap:
Actually, I took more than one. Naps are a great way to regain energy during the day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one should aim to either nap for fewer than 20 minutes for quick rejuvenation, or at least 90, for longer-lasting energy.
Other suggestions given to me by my classmates:
- Dropout of high school.
- Get a third cat.
- Rage room.
- A hot bubble bath.
- Many cats.
Overall, I enjoyed my week of focusing on myself and my mental health. It’s always important to care for yourself, and while this silly list might not work for everyone, doing things that ground you is an important habit.
