It’s that time of year again. When the trees lose the vibrant colors we enjoyed all through fall and the sky clouds over at an unreasonably early hour. It’s called the end of daylight savings and it’s the first sign that winter is upon us.
You might have noticed the unstable weather patterns over the past two weeks. Ever since November 1st, when daylights savings officially ended and we gained an hour in our day, we’ve experienced weird fluctuations in weather that will ultimately lead to a constant sense of coldness. The issue with the end of daylight savings is that it’s cloaked by a false sense of positivity. It deludes you into thinking that you’re gaining something by giving you an extra hour, but then takes away both sunlight and happiness.
Which is where daylights savings blues come in. The darkness and impending cold lowers morale and could be the precursor to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that affects 10 million Americans, 75% of which are women.
So as we head into the winter months, use these ideas to keep your spirits up!
1. Exercise
I know, easier said than done. But even if it means skipping the shuttle and walking to Tenley, that extra time moving can stimulate chemicals in the brain that make you happier. I know all we want to do in these winter months besides class is curl up in a blanket and Netflix, but making some sort of physical activity part of your day can go a long way.
2. Eat whole foods
Again, this is a lot easier said than done, especially when you’re not cooking for yourself. Those not fortunate enough to have a meal plan this semester should make use of Whole Foods and the weekly farmer’s market. But if you’re looking to use up those remaining meal swipes, consider skipping the tenders and going for something at Freshii or a TDR salad.
3. Take initiative
Decorate your room. Reinvent your wardrobe. Do something small outside of classes and homework that you can feel proud of. My freshman year, we decorated the lounge for the holiday season and then made cookies and hot chocolate together right before finals. Taking the initiative to plan something enjoyable and lighthearted alone or with a group can alleviate some of the negativity that takes place as things get colder.
4. Get off campus!
It can be so easy to quarantine yourself over the winter but sometimes getting away from it all can be the most important part of combatting the blues. There are so many things to do in D.C. during the winter and with the metro only a shuttle ride (or walk!) away, there’s really no reason not to take advantage of it! Those museums you never got to? It’s time to check them off your list! The free shows at the Kennedy Center you never got around to looking into? Now’s your chance! Once it really starts getting colder you can also go ice-skating at the National Harbor and check out the zoo lights.