Winter is that time of year where everyone starts to get depressed or falls into a hole. I know it has happened to me many times, and I’m noticing it happening to everyone around me, too. So what do you do? How can you stay positive when everything around you is cold, gray and sad? Here are five things that can help lift you out of those winter blues.
1. Make yourself a care package. Everyone, at some point, enjoys buying something. It brings something new into your life, even if you’ve had that something before. Maybe spend some money on those dorm room necessities you’ve been putting off buying, but spice it up. If you need more tissues, buy ones with colorful boxes or happy designs. If you have some extra money, buy something for yourself that would make you smile. Maybe it’s the DVD of that movie you’ve been dying to watch, or maybe a new nail polish color you wanted to try. Whatever it is, go for it! You deserve a gift.
2. Make sure to eat. I know when I get sad I either eat more than I should, or I barely eat at all. There is a happy medium, you just have to find it. Look for warmer foods, or things that will warm all of you, not just your stomach. I have taken to eating and trying different soups in the Caf, some I hadn’t even tried before coming to college. My favorite meal has been the hot tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, one of my oldest childhood comfort foods. Don’t be afraid of getting repetitive with your meals; if those are what taste good and make you happy, then go for it. No one cares if you have tomato soup four days in a row. And remember, it is okay to eat unhealthy foods as long as it is in moderation. If having a bowl of ice cream will put a smile on your face for the next hour, then why not?
3. Get out of your room. It’s winter. It’s cold. It’s snowy. All you want to do is spend the day in bed layered in blankets. But you do need fresh air, even in the -5 degree weather. You don’t have to take an hour long sprint through the snow covered town, but maybe take ten minutes to take a lap around the campus. Look for things you haven’t noticed, like how many icicles are hanging from that building, or what kind of animal left those tracks in the snow? You could simply walk a different route to class. A change of scenery can do a lot for you.
4. Make plans with friends. When you are feeling sad and lonely tucked into bed at 2:00 in the afternoon, think about your friends. I’m sure they are lonely too. Ask if they want to come over and play a game, or if you want to meet up somewhere to do homework together. Try getting a cake mix from the on-campus store and experiment with baking in the college kitchen. Pick an activity and I’m sure your friends would want to join you.
5. Me, myself, and I. Spending time with friends can be a great way to spend time, but sometimes it can get a little loud or even overwhelming. It is totally okay to take time to yourself. However, this does not mean secluding yourself and doing homework on end. Yes it is important, but your mental health is very important too. Flip through Netflix and find a new show to watch. Rent a movie and curl up with a cup of tea. Turn on some music and dance in your room. Take a long, warm shower and let your mind wander. Time for yourself is as important as anything else on this list. Forget about work and stress and take at least an hour to relax.