Welcome back, Kenyon! Now that we’re into the second semester, it is officially winter. And there is no denying that winter at Kenyon is cold. Hurts your face, freezes your wet hair kind of cold (a kind of cold this poor Virginian didn’t know existed until my freshman year here). I don’t know about you, but the cold weather really gets me down sometimes. I huddle myself in blankets not wanting to go outside and longingly waiting for the start of spring to come. But winter doesn’t have to be all bad. Here are some ways to cheer yourself up when it’s cold and dreary outside!
1. Invest in Lots of Fuzzy Clothes
Honestly, fuzzy clothing is how I get through winter: fuzzy socks, fleece-lined leggings, fuzzy sweaters, I’ll take them all. When you wear fuzzy clothing, it’s like walking around while being hugged by a blanket; it makes the cold weather so much more bearable. If, like me, you can’t stand the cold weather, make stocking up on fuzzy clothing your splurge for the season.
2. Make a Warm Drink
Once you’re all wrapped up in fuzzy clothes, you need some hot liquid to warm up your insides. Hot drinks are made for winter, and they will definitely help to cheer you up when your body is freezing. Whether your drink of choice is coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, indulge in some warm drink this winter. Peirce has got all three, so there’s no reason not to bring a warm drink with you next time you have to venture out into the cold.
3. Watch an Episode of Your Favorite Show
Winter is the perfect time to relax and watch an episode of your favorite show. It’s cold, you really don’t want to leave the house, and the stress of spring semester has already started. It’s ok to take a break for 45 minutes. Personally, I recommend something funny and lighthearted to take your mind off of school for a bit, but the choice of show is really up to you.
4. Work out at the KAC
Someone once told me that all “cheer up” articles were the same, and that all undoubtedly would have “working out” somewhere on the list. Well, here I am, feeding into that cliche. But it’s true. I know you don’t want to hear it, but working out can make you feel better. This is especially true in the winter when you’re likely not moving around as much. I know the walk down to the KAC isn’t fun, especially in the cold, but your body will thank you for the movement and endorphins.
5. Make a Delicious Baked Good
Winter is the season for baking, and who says it has to stop after the holiday season? The perks of baking something sweet in the winter are two-fold: turning on the oven will warm up your kitchen, whether you’re living in an apartment or just using the common area of your dorm, and you get a delicious, warm baked good when you’re finished. Plus, baking is such a fun way to hang out with your friends. Both of which will cheer you up if you’re feeling down about the cold weather.
Hopefully you got some new ideas for ways to cheer yourself up when you’re feeling down this winter. And of course, if your winter blues get really bad, check out our awesome counseling center–they’re there to help us, and they’ve got a sun lamp. Stay warm, Kenyon!
Image Credit: Feature, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5