The key to a successful project of self-improvement is mindset. Do not frame your resolution in terms of absolute success or failure.

Maybe working too much has been holding us back.

Here are a few tips from the editorial board to help you avoid the dark sadness that envelops us all at this time of year.

Why have we stopped playing?

As students, we’ve turned being busy into a sort of competition, perpetuating a mentality of “if you’re not suffering, you’re doing it wrong.” We don’t realize how detrimental this to our overall wellbeing.

Whether your stress outlet is shopping, eating, or if you’re me, cleaning and exercising, there are ways to rethink small actions in ways that can benefit the very environmental crisis that is making us stressed.

Just because some people may find themselves out on Wednesday or Thursday nights doesn’t mean others should pass judgement on their grades or their work ethic. Going out is supposed to be a fun, stress-free experience, and it does not warrant any assumptions about who you are as a person.

The more you do it, the easier it gets, and the worst thing that will probably happen is that people will either respond with ambivalence or not at all.

At the end of the day, no matter how many credits you’re taking, we will all be receiving a Wash. U. degree at the same commencement ceremony. While it may be hard to ignore the pressure of pushing yourself to the absolute limit, it is important to recognize that everyone’s capacity for classes is different.

While it seems simple, it’s important to remember that self-care is a relative concept. Some people may find that putting on a face mask and watching Netflix makes them feel accomplished and relaxed. For others, it can take the form of booking a therapy appointment or realizing that a relationship may not be mutually beneficial.