Spring Refresh: Mental/Spiritual Spring Cleaning
By: Sophia Rome
April always sneaks up on me and before I know it, it’s almost the end of the year! Life is busy with papers and projects, which is why it is so important to take a moment to slow down and enjoy the season.
Put Your Phone Away Between Classes
It is tempting to respond to texts and emails during the 10-minute break between classes or on the way back to your room. I did this thinking that I would catch up on everything when I got home; however, I realized I missed a lot. Campus is beautiful in the spring! Try keeping your phone away during your walks, and use those moments to chat with friends, observe the buds on the trees, or pray.
Gratitude Journal
I really wanted to journal in college as a chance to slow down and have something tangible to look back on from my time here, but every time I got tired, I got discouraged because I was either busy in the mornings or too tired at night to give journaling enough time, so I gave up. My sister recommended keeping a gratitude journal instead of writing about my entire day. At the beginning or end of the day, write down three to five things you are grateful for. This gives you the chance to slow down and be thankful for the many blessings in this season of life. I do not have to journal for half an hour to have something to look back on. I can look back on the blessings I received.
Morning Routine
Something I wish I had established is a consistent morning routine in college. My first semester senior year, I rolled out of bed at 7:40am, left the dorm at 7:55am, and arrived right on the dot for my 8:00am class. While I got the most sleep possible, I rushed through the day. My second semester of my senior year, my roommate and I started making coffee together. This gave us half an hour to an hour to simply be human at the beginning of the day, not just college students. When I started the day this way, I felt refreshed because I had something in my day other than just being a student.
Daily Examination
Another way to slow down is by taking time to mentally reflect. I have recently picked up the practice of St. Ignatius’ Daily Examination. This helps me process the day a little bit and look back on it. Instead of hopping into bed after studying and then rolling out of bed for class the next morning, try taking five to ten minutes before you turn out the lights to do this daily examination and reflect on your day.
Become aware of God’s presence.
Review the day with gratitude.
Pay attention to your emotions.
Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
Look toward tomorrow.
Sophia Rome | ‘25
Sophia Rome graduated from Hillsdale College in May of 2025. She now works as the Director of Student Activities and has her own photography business.
Email: srome@hillsdale.edu
