As what was possibly the longest Halloween of all time comes to a close, energy levels are low and many students may feel stretched thin. As we know, the holiday coincided with not only the beginning of the nebulous block of the semester over which midterms are scheduled but also the 2024 presidential election. This editorial board encourages those of us in the community who may be feeling drained or burnt out to set a few extra measures to relax, self-preserve and enjoy the season’s peak foliage. 

Halloween is usually a weekend-long affair, but because it fell on a Thursday this year, there was much debate about whether or not the festivities should happen the weekend before or the weekend after. It seems the solution was to celebrate the holiday all week long. Students roamed the streets of Waltham in full-gear — from classic vampire ensembles to inflatable chicken suits. Few were caught slacking despite having to simultaneously think about coursework and midterms. Now it’s time to get some rest, eat some leftover Halloween candy and rejuvenate as we fall back into our regular routines.

This time of year means colder weather and more nights of sitting in the library for hours on end trying to chip away at the mountain of work on your plate. Exams, essays and projects have been scattered throughout our schedules for the last few weeks and, for some, there are still more to come. We recommend that during this busy period, students remember to squeeze in some time to unwind, spend quality time with friends and prioritize their overall health and wellbeing.

As midterm season wraps up and swiftly transitions into finals territory, be sure not to lose perspective of where in the semester we currently are. The whiplash of thinking you’re done with all of your midterm exams and essays to having to start studying for finals can often be brutal. This board encourages students to be extra mindful of when midterm work will start tapering off and to take a moment to reset before having to start thinking about finals. Now would be a good time to get reorganized and caught up on any areas that may have been neglected. By taking a moment to ground yourself, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed or unprepared for the next wave of assignments coming your way. 

Along with the changing weather comes the switch out of daylight savings time, which began on March 10 and ended on Nov. 3 at 2 a.m. It is now time to change all of your clocks and the time on the stove. This Sunday we gained an extra hour, giving us all an additional hour of sleep. However, the end of daylight savings means the sun will start setting earlier across the U.S. This season of cold and dark weather can prove challenging for many, especially in terms of mental wellbeing. We suggest keeping in mind the decreased amount of sunlight that we will have in the fall and winter months and dedicating time to being outdoors on a regular basis. Getting a solid amount of vitamin D is essential, especially for people in the young adult age brackets who are at greater risk of insufficiency in the winter months. 

Perhaps one of the most monumental events on the horizon for us is the 2024 presidential election. For most undergraduate students, this will be the first presidential election in which they are eligible to vote. Not only will this be many students’ first time voting, but they will also be voting in an election that has been particularly rocky. With the assassination attempts on Former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden dropping out of the race at the last minute and various other concerns on both national and global fronts, there have been a handful of major unexpected twists adding pressure to this momentous election. The polls indicate that the race is very close, as the national polling average reported on the New York Times website is at 49% for Kamala Harris and 48% for Donald Trump as of press time. It is difficult to tell what exactly will unfold in this Tuesday’s election. 

With all of this in mind, this editorial board suggests that our community members take time for themselves, as we collectively process these stressful national events. For instance, there are campus get-togethers organized specifically to help students deal with election stress, such as Student Union’s therapy dogs provided by the “Dog B.O.N.E.S.” organization at the Shapiro Campus Center Library on Nov. 5 from 2-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. The Brandeis Counseling Center, the Center for Spiritual Life, the Gender and Sexuality Center and the Intercultural Center are also offering election week support, consisting of drop-in quiet spaces with reflection and mindfulness activities. We encourage students to take advantage of these resources.

Furthermore, as we welcome the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall, there are countless seasonal activities that can help students unwind and celebrate this picturesque time of year. Consider organizing a group outing to a nearby orchard for apple picking, where you can savor the fresh cider while enjoying the company of friends. For those who prefer staying home, hosting a cozy movie night with seasonal favorite films can create a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Additionally, students shouldn’t forget to appreciate the stunning fall foliage; although Boston and surrounding areas reached peak foliage early last week, many trees around campus have still retained their striking colors, highlighting students’ daily walks to class with brilliant leaves of yellows, oranges and reds. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, trying your hand at baking seasonal pies or simply sipping a warm drink in the comfort of your dorm, these activities can offer a refreshing break from the demands of academic life and foster connections between ourselves and our community.

There are a number of ways to destress, from enjoying the autumnal scenery to watching a movie on a cozy night-in, but ultimately, each person’s needs are different. We recommend staying attuned to your individual needs — both mental and physical —  and doing what you think is best to regenerate and push through this phase of the semester.