I was a very unhappy girl when winter decided to rear its ugly head in October. This will be my 21st winter spent in New England and I can attest to the fact that no—you don’t ever get used to it. That being said, it’s important to remember that “winter blues” aren’t just a figure of speech. Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) manifests itself in a variety of ways and most of us experience symptoms at some point during the winter months regardless of whether we’re diagnosed with the actual disease. The best thing you can do is to be proactive! Check out these simple tips to dump the winter blues like a bad boyfriend.
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1. Embrace the snow and cold weather
Trudging down the lower long walk in blizzard conditions makes it difficult to fathom that snow can be a source of fun. Remind yourself how accomplished it feels to build a snow fort or a snowman. Throw snowballs. Go sledding behind the chapel. Build a jump over the long walk. Strap on your ice skates and channel Michelle Kwan at the hockey rink. Take advantage of the fact that we have all four seasons in the year! Embrace the winter wonderland.
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2. Get a green plant for your room
A small reminder of the warmer months is always appreciated in the depths of winter. A plant is the perfect way to get this fix. Go for something that’s relatively low maintenance like a Christmas cactus or an aloe plant. You won’t have to stress out about killing it (accidently) and you can enjoy it for the intrinsic value it adds to your room.
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3. Attend an indoor group exercise class
Snow banks, ice patches, and freezing temperatures can make exercising outside a death trap. Going to the gym can be a good alternative, but sometimes taking your routine to Ferris is overwhelming—especially if your schedule only allows for working out during rush hour (between 3:00 and 7:00pm). Switch things up by participating in one of the group exercise classes that Trinity offers. I’m personally a fan of Zumba, which takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30. Yoga classes are offered throughout the week in various locations on campus and while I haven’t been to one (yet), I’ve heard only good things. Not only are these good ways to stay fit, but you’ll kick your endorphins into gear and feel great afterwards.
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4. Use campus kitchens
I’ll be the first to admit that I get tired of campus food options. Inclement weather and a limited college budget can make off-campus dining unappealing, too. Why not role up your sleeves and whip something up in a kitchen on campus? Check out recipes on this blog, Big Girls, Small Kitchen for ideas that are budget and time conscious. Stowe, Anadama, Clemens, and Wiggins all have kitchens in their dorm rooms. If you don’t live there and don’t have friends that do, Summit Suites and Doonesbury have community kitchens on the first floor of their buildings. Cozy up with your gal pals and eat something yummy. Bon appĂ©tit!
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5. Get rid of the clutter in your room
A messy room can only add stress to your life. Purge your room of clutter on a day when you’re not busy. Tackle the untidiness that has amassed under your bed. Go through your closet and put things on hangers. Throw unnecessary things out from your desk that are taking up valuable space. You’ll feel refreshed and your room will become a happy place versus a source of anxiety. This is especially important because you probably spend more time there in the winter months.
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6. Schedule “me” time throughout the week
I would suggest instituting “me” time throughout the year, but it’s especially important through the winter. Take the time to give yourself a mani-pedi. Be meticulous about applying moisturizer and reap the many benefits of the ever-elusive soft skin in the winter. Setting aside time to do things like this is important because it allows you to step away from the stress of academics and a busy social life to focus on someone very important—Y-O-U.
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7. Get your vitamins and minerals
Symptoms of SAD include lethargy and depressed feelings. Vitamins B and D, iron, zinc, and calcium help your body to combat these effects. Soak up the sun on a cloudless day or invest in a “happy lamp” to get your vitamin D. Dairy products, foods with whole grains, veggies like spinach, and nuts are all good sources of the above mentioned vitamins and minerals. You have easy access to all of them on campus so stock up accordingly.
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8. Read something other than a textbook
Put down “A People’s History of the United States.” It’ll be okay, I promise. Browse through the New York Times Best Sellers list and choose something you’ll enjoy. Your mind will stay sharp as opposed to watching re-runs of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (although I’m guilty as charged). You’ll make reading feel like less of your enemy and more like your friend. Will your academic reading feel less strenuous? Hey, it’s not out of the question. Something about cozying up with a good book while the snow falls quietly outside your window is both relaxing and mood-boosting.Â
Stay happy, collegiettesTM. If all else fails, refer to this–Cookie the ticklish penguin. Aww.
Sources:
http://healthybeingproducts.com/light_therapy.html
http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-topic…
http://gardening.about.com/od/houseplants/a/EasyHouseplants.htm