It is, yet again, that time of the semester when everything feels a bit hopeless. We are at the highpoint of schoolwork so far, the weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter. This sentiment of being overwhelmed has been echoed time and time again throughout the semester—especially by The Observer—, so what we are saying is nothing new. However, this weekend (technically Monday) is Halloween, and while there may be no escape from stress at Case Western Reserve University, the holiday may be the chance to destress, at least temporarily. 

The most obvious way to celebrate the holiday weekend is to dress up and go out with friends. The excitement of putting together and showing off a costume—whether it be the low-effort all-black clothes, drawn-on cat whiskers and cat ears or a well-thought-out Smitty Werbenjägermanjensen from Spongebob Squarepants—allows students to mellow out for a night or two. Spending time with friends is essential to feeling less isolated; even though you will have assignments and tasks to complete the next day, new diversions and activities can be the change in pace you need to tackle the rest of the week. 

However, if putting on a costume and going out isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the holiday weekend, including decorating your dorm room or apartment. Shopping at a Target, Walmart, Goodwill, HomeGoods or any other store within your price range is, again, a great way to put yourself in a different atmosphere. Buy some fake cobwebs, spooky lights, Halloween figurines or even a fall-scented candle. Often just changing the space you spend your every waking hour in, especially to seasonal themes, can help you break through the constant tension the semester brings about. Even a quick trip to the store to buy some pumpkins—to decorate with friends or alone—can be the break you need.

Another activity for holiday homebodies is movie marathons. Make a night out of it by popping some popcorn, ordering takeout, eating Halloween-themed candy and binging Halloween-esque movies. Whether you are watching all of the “Halloweentown” series or classic horror flicks such as “The Shining” or “The Conjuring,” there is probably some film out there for you. 

Regardless of whether or not you feel like embracing the Halloween spirit, it’s crucial to take a real break at some point. The semester post-fall break can be tough, and after experiencing some stress-free moments, it can be hard to find the motivation to keep going. However, you are not alone. We are all feeling quite stressed and overwhelmed, and the inconsistent weather certainly does not help. Hopefully, you find some time for yourself, especially this “Halloweekend,” to embrace the spooky spirit, and, more importantly, take care of yourself.