The warnings from juniors, the dreaded fears of sophomores, and the onset of symptoms all mean one thing: the awful sophomore slump.
Typically, the term describes the general exhaustion and lack of motivation students face during their Sophomore year. After months of working through adjustments in freshman year to balancing coursework and extracurriculars, it’s only natural to simply feel tired. But while this slump is normal, I want to share some tips to help us push through not only sophomore year, but anytime we might be going through a slump.
The Slump
Me having a power nap after class
Feeling tired and lethargic is not solely a sophomore year thing. Not only as busy college students, but as human beings it is completely natural to just feel exhausted. Sometimes it's okay to give yourself a break, in my case it was a great power nap.
Outings!
Go on outings if you can! This could be a walk around the river or going to club events– just any occasion to have a change of scenery can be refreshing!
Food
Treat yourself a little when you can! My favorite sweet treat is strawberry milk tea from Kung Fu Tea! And go with friends! It’s great to bond with others to help you feel less isolated in your struggles. We're all in the same boat!
Family
I video call my sister to share any updates about my day! It's good to stay in contact with family and friends throughout your college years.
Community
Serving on the board of the Harvard African Student Association has been so much fun! The sense of community and unity these events fostered has truly helped me manage the stressful semester. Stay tuned for more of our events throughout the year!
Reflections
A relaxing activity for me is reading the Quran in my room and reflecting on my day by journaling. Even setting aside a few minutes to do something relaxing and reflective can put you in a better mindset for the rest of your day. Check out the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion to attend workshops and yoga sessions, book massage appointments, and more!
We could all use a relaxing activity, sweet treat, or time with friends to help get us through the day and the Sophomore Slump! It is this grace we give ourselves that empowers us to step into class and walk into life with our heads just a little bit higher than the day before!
