We are nearing the midterm of the semester, when the energy from the start of the semester begins to die down. But staying cooped up in your dorm room as the ‘blah’ feelings of college set in is a sure way to hurt your mental health. I will outline ways for you to get out there and keep your mental health up, and break out of your bubble, in the following tips. 

1. Find a Friend

This is the first tip and potentially the hardest for some. Social anxiety is a very strong emotion. A sure way of connecting with people is to find ways you can relate with them, and find things in common with them. This could start as connecting with your roommate or talking with a classmate about an upcoming project.

Feeling isolated while attending university is a damning thing and has led to plenty of people dropping out. Feeling lonely or sad is something that will happen no matter what during your time at college, but when you have a buddy to help drag you out of your dorm when you are down, it can be immensely beneficial. 

“But oh wise sage, how easy is it to find a friend? I don’t know anyone that likes to play pretend and fight dragons in our minds.” 

“Well I know just the people for you to meet. Just read the next tip.” 

2. Get Nerdy

If you are having trouble finding people to connect with a really good way is to join one of the great many student organizations. If you’ve been playing a lot of Baldurs Gate 3, try out playing at Dungeons and Wildcats. Want to be a teacher? Stop by the Future Educators of NMU. Or are you a big video gamer? Play some with the NMU Esports Club.

There are so many clubs, from fencing and historical European martial arts to almost any club for specific majors, like nursing and creative writing clubs. 

“Oh wise sage, thank you so much for that wondrous tip. That dungeons and dragons club seems so amazing, and the president is so handsome, nice and smart.” 

“Oh, I know.” 

3. Embrace the Suck

‘When in doubt, go out,’ is a common phrase. It is not just something I say, for sure. When you are feeling contained or wanting to shelter yourself, sometimes it is just best to push through the safety bubble. Go into the uncomfortable world, be it a hike at Sugarloaf, a drink and dance at Digs or just a boba and book trip at Blossom Bird and Snowbound.

My mother always gave me advice that she learned in the military, particularly in basic training: ’embrace the suck.’ Sometimes you have to get uncomfortable to help yourself out: pulling out the splinter, fighting a flat tire to change it, studying, and the list goes on. Push through the feelings that are telling you to sink in your bed and rot and go do something. 

“But sage, sucking sucks.’ 

“Better adapt to it. It could always be worse.”

4. Pump Iron 

When it comes to embracing the suck, nothing really hits the idea more than working out. Working out hurts, the day after a workout hurts, but seeing physical improvement is great and the feeling right after is amazing. I always feel so alive after I work out — like I can take on the world.

You don’t have to only hit the weights at the PEIF. They have a lot of fun stuff over there: rock climbing, basketball, weights, fat tire biking, a pool and they even have wellness programs and outdoor recreation activities. It is a fact that working out makes the body feel good, and sometimes that is all you need to bust out of that bubble. 

“Oh wise sage, is that why you are so amazing jacked? Do you go to the PEIF? You look like a greek statue animate.” 

“I’m not even flexing yet.” 

5. Be cringe

Do embarrassing things, and laugh it off. Those are how some real memories are made.

Looking at the Dead River Games this year, I saw the truth in that statement. When everyone was lying down in inch-deep puddles of melted ice cream and scoops just kept plopping all over them, they got up, looked at one another and laughed.

Embarrassment can suck but it happens to everyone, and if you don’t take yourself so seriously it changes the feelings around embarrassment. Instead of letting your pride and ego get hurt, you can let out a laugh and remember the event fondly.

With that being established, go out there and let loose. Go get ice cream smothered all over you, go to the game in costume or go be wacky with your friends. Changing the way you react to things opens the doors to a lot of good things, and that token of wisdom can be applied to anything. 

“Skib… I forgot about what happened last time. These tips sure are helpful oh wise sage.”