Go through the exam period, find an internship, adapt to a new country... as current international students at Saxion, we've been in your shoes! Here is a list of tips and insights to help you navigate the ups and downs of student life abroad.
Blue Monday takes place on the third Monday of January and is supposedly the most depressive day of the year. The combination of bad weather, long dark nights, the post-Christmas lonely mood and the freshly failed New Year’s resolutions make January feel long and demotivating for some people and we don’t blame them. For international students, Blue Monday can be even more challenging, since you are already away from your family and friends, so we want to help you survive successfully on 16 January!
1. Lower your expectations of yourself
Setting goals and resolutions for the new year is a great motivator but don’t let these goals bring you down if you don’t achieve them. Just remember that you are doing the best you can and if you are having a bad day, it doesn’t mean that it’ll be a bad month or a bad year!
2. Don’t forget to socialize
January is cold and dark and most of us don’t really want to leave our warm and cosy houses but that doesn’t mean that you must cut off all contacts until it’s warm and sunny enough to go out again. There are still plenty ways to meet up with your friends. You can always plan game nights at home or go to a small café to drink a hot chocolate together. Everybody is feeling lonely sometimes so it’s totally normal to ask for company.
3. Physical activity helps
Not everyone is a fan of doing sports but a simple walk through a park can already make you feel a lot better. Physical activity increases your endorphin levels, which decreases stress and anxiety and boosts your self-esteem. So don’t forget to get your steps even on Blue Monday!
4. Wear something colourful
During winter, we tend to prefer wearing clothes with darker colours to match the weather. However, it is no secret that colour can boost your mood. Therefore, you can already prepare yourself for Blue Monday by planning your bright and colourful outfit for the day!
5. Write your thoughts down
If you feel overwhelmed and anxious during this “depressive” day, writing down your thoughts might help get them out of your mind or at least make them less powerful.
Don’t forget that it is normal to feel demotivated sometimes and everyone deserves a break when they need it. Blue Monday is just another day of the year and it will be over before you realise it!
