Kirby Dzurny, a sophomore double-majoring in international affairs and creative writing, is a Hatchet opinions writer.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but there are better ways to relax than binge-watching Netflix.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of days when crawling into my bed to watch episode after episode seems like the perfect way to treat the blues following hours of classes and a shift at work.
In our high-tech world, I find it far too easy to spend a harmful amount of time inside. During times of high stress – like midterms season – students spend even more time at desks under fluorescent lights.
While academics are the reason we’re here, staying active is crucial to a positive college experience. At GW, we often overwork and overload ourselves, which is understandable for such a driven student body. But it’s important we make an effort to get outdoors once in a while.
As the days turn colder and rainier, I’m far less likely to be outside all that much. Less exposure to sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, which can sometimes trigger feelings of depression: It’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it’s not uncommon during these months. Taking advantage of as much sunlight as possible this season while we still have it can sometimes help ward off inclinations to just stay in bed.
“As GW students, it is easy to forget to take the time to tend to our physical and mental health as we get caught up in our internships, extracurricular activities and academics,” Student Association President Nick Gumas, who has put student health at the top of his agenda, told me. “I’d encourage students to take time for themselves and stay healthy.”
Luckily, we don’t live just anywhere. We live in one of the most exciting cities in the world, filled with festivals, monuments, sporting events and free parks. And this year, D.C. was named the most walkable city in the country. For all these reasons, it’s no surprise we’re the fittest metropolitan area in the country.
If you aren’t a nature lover, you can still find an outdoor activity that interests you. You could go on a trip with the student organization GW TRAiLS, which organizes hikes, bike rides and even takes students on seasonal outings, like pumpkin picking in October.
“Getting outside for even a few minutes can make a difference in my day,” Tim Miller, the director of the Center for Student Engagement, told me. “I have attended a number of TRAiLS trips over the years and they always help me feel more relaxed and connected to the outdoors.”
There are options even if you’re too busy to venture outside of D.C. Simply taking your exercise outside can be better than working out in a gym. Running or cycling outdoors tends to be more challenging, and those who walk outdoors report lower levels of tension and depression – leaving them in a healthier mental state.
Just going for a walk on the National Mall or around campus is a way to decompress and take a moment to breathe. Many of us GW students are hardwired to always be working on something, but every once in a while, it’s best to take some time to relax.
So as midterms season rages on, don’t forget about your health.
