Vanessa's Digital Dialogue

While the autumn season brings joy and festivities, it can also bring about increased anxiety related to work and the transition from summer. In this 6-step plan, I will guide you on how to prevent seasonal depression while achieving your best academic comeback this year. Read on to discover how you can embrace everything autumn has to offer without compromising your well-being and academic success.

1. Embracing nature

A common misconception during the transition from summer to colder months is that you should be confined indoors. However this leads to less fresh air, less exercise and less endorphins which can all contribute to seasonal depression.  By embracing the change in weather, you can actually enjoy these colder months and observe how nature transforms during this time. This can include activities like taking a stroll in your local park or collecting autumnal items such as conkers. Ultimately, it’s about finding activities that inspire you to venture outside and appreciate the beauty of the season.

2. Romanticising your work

One approach that has worked particularly well for me is to romanticise the work that needs to be done as a way to motivate myself. This can be achieved by creating a playlist, treating yourself to coffee or tea, or finding an aesthetic study space. By shifting your mindset from considering the tasks as chores to enjoyable activities, you can experience a complete academic comeback. This change in perspective can create a sense of enthusiasm and drive to excel in your studies.

3. Autumnal wardrobe

As the colder weather arrives swiftly, it presents the perfect opportunity to enhance your wardrobe. Retail therapy is something many enjoy, and you can fully embrace it by acquiring cosy clothing that is ideal for studying or savouring the autumnal weather. If you seek inspiration for autumn and winter coats, I invite you to visit my blog post: Autumn & Winter Jackets To Invest In This Season for more information.

4. Creating an achievable schedule

Having an academic comeback is closely related to maintaining consistent grades, and the best way to ensure this is by establishing a consistent work schedule. By waking up at the same time every day, you can train your body to follow a routine and cultivate the right mindset for productive work. It is essential, however, to include designated downtime or time for activities you enjoy, as a balanced life is crucial for overall well-being.

5. Eating wholesome food

As we all know, food plays a vital role in fuelling our bodies and therefore it is important to ensure you are nourishing yourself properly. However, on the other side of the spectrum, treating yourself to the enjoyment of autumnal snacks is equally important. This can involve baking sweet treats, indulging in s’mores, or trying something from the Starbucks autumn menu, for example.

6. Study dates with friends

One of the most effective ways to stay motivated is by surrounding yourself with those who share similar values and goals. Consider allocating time during your week to have study dates with friends, which allows you to combine your work and social life. By doing so, you create a supportive environment, where you can motivate and inspire each other to stay focused and accomplish your academic aspirations. 

By following these steps, you can navigate the autumn season with a positive mindset and achieve an academic comeback. Embrace the opportunities this time of year offers and enjoy the journey towards personal growth and success.