Changing Moods with the Changing Seasons
Written By: Piper Jiyamapa ‘27
Edited By: Angelica Marin ‘27
Today is October 7, 2025, also known as the last day of sun according to the weather app, and it seems many people on campus have gotten the message. Comm. Ave is filled with students in their last summer outfits, fitting them in before the 90% chance of rain hits tomorrow. It just so happens that as the shine of the new school years wears off, midterms happen, and the weather gets increasingly gross. As a junior, this change always seems to sneak up on me even though it’ll be my third year going through it. This year I tried to be slightly more mindful, scoping out things I can do when taking a walk outside is no longer an enjoyable option. I spent September walking to class everyday, going to Amory park to hang out with other people’s dogs, and just generally taking advantage of the good mood. I’m not saying Boston gets more boring as the winter comes, I do really like fall, but it’s impossible to neglect the rut that I and others tend to get stuck in. Here is my advice to not letting the weather get you down:
Find at least one easy activity you can rely on when you have free time. For me, I love going to the Museum of Fine Arts. I choose one exhibit or section to go through every time I’m there and it’s never the same one twice. Going there is always an option since it’s indoors and honestly, sometimes it’s just nice to stare at pretty things.
Have a morning routine. During this season, it’s so appealing to stay in bed, never get ready, drag yourself to class and back home. Having a morning routine, in whatever manner that works for you, makes you start your day and it’s a lot easier to convince yourself to do something when you are already ready.
Switch locations. With midterms coming up, many of us are going to be locked in and studying. Sinking into that mugar cubicle is second nature but it’s not a bad idea to switch your environment around. Give yourself the chance to fix your posture, walk around, and close your laptop even if it’s just for 15 minutes to move libraries.
Be okay with rotting sometimes. It’s inevitable to sit and scroll on your phone and sleep. Allow yourself that time so you don’t feel guilty and get stuck in a loop. Is it good to maybe read a book instead? Probably but that’s not always what your brain wants. I find it much more beneficial to indulge a bit and not feel guilty knowing that at some point I’ll get up.
Romanticize a little. Light a candle, make a playlist, watch a movie with your friends. Boston is a great place to be in the fall, when it’s not windy, take a walk down Bay State or adventure to Beacon Hill. Prioritize making things aesthetically pleasing if that’s what it takes.
Go on Do Not Disturb for a bit. A majority of social interactions happen when you run into someone, and now that the beginning of the school year is over there is a little less of that. It’s natural to try to fill that space in with social media, texting, whatever your vice is. The issue arises when you don’t even try to see your friends in person and supplement with your phone. I try to use my phone to make plans with people in person and then go on DND when I actually see them.
Now let’s be clear, this is aspirational for me too. I do these things on good days with the intention of applying them when I have bad days too. It can be hard, there is no denying that and we all have days where doing any of these things seem out of reach. That being said, it’s important to remember that you are worth more than the change in weather and you deserve to take care of yourself.