Clues on How to Get Rid of Those Winter Blues

Winter is a hard time of year for everybody. It is super cold, Christmas has already passed and everyone is tired of the snow and so ready for spring. It feels like there is nothing to look forward to when your hands feel dry and it gets dark at 5 p.m. Everyone has felt the “winter blues” that seem to have no end for months and months. Everyone in New England, especially at UNH, is severely lacking vitamin D and feeling the outcomes of it. I have been through this and have some tips to ease up on the seasonal depression feelings around this hard time of year. 

1. Don’t isolate yourself! Isolation can be devastating to your mental health and overall increase your symptoms of sadness. It can make you feel even more alone which is not what you want this time of year. Go make plans with your friends, family, and loved ones. It helps so much to be out of your house and around the people you love and the people who love you back. Text them, call them, and facetime them. Anything is better than nothing because isolation really can put a damper on your energy level, motivation, happiness, and more. Being around people can make you instantly feel better which is why I highly recommend it to kick those blues to the curb! 
2. Go outside! I know it is cold and annoying to throw on that huge puffer jacket but it can be so helpful just to get some sunlight. Go take a 15-minute walk outside on campus during the day. Walk on the bridge that leads to library hill and listen to the calming river or take a walk to get frosted cookies from Hannaford’s. No matter where you go, some natural sunlight is better than none, especially since it is so sparse this time of year. Make a goal to take a short walk every day so you can get out of the house and get some much-needed vitamin D. Decreasing those winter blues one walk at a time!
3. Take vitamins! Vitamins can help you get the nutrients that you might not be getting and are good for you all year round. Vitamin D is especially good this time of year, it can lessen the symptoms of seasonal depression. I love taking vitamins and I actually feel a difference when I do or do not take them. They give your body the sunlight that it is lacking this time of year. Vitamin D is crucial when it comes down to feeling good this season and you should look to get it anywhere you can. Vitamin D is the sunshine that makes your blues fly away.
4. Listen to happy energetic music! Music can impact your thoughts, emotions and how you process things. If you are listening to sad music while you are down in the dumps, it will only intensify those emotions and make you feel worse. If you are listening to music you can sing along at the top of your lungs and dance to, you will be able to lift up your energy and make yourself feel better. Plus, dance parties are a great way to release some happy chemicals in your brain and a good break from homework. Dance those blues away!
5. Work out! I know I know, you are probably thinking “but I don’t like running.” You don’t need to run to work out, I don’t. I love working out especially when it is wintertime. My favorite machine to use is called the Stairmaster, it doesn’t require running and it really works. There are other machines and classes you can take at Hamel Rec as well that are all great for your body and mind. There is yoga, Zumba, spin classes, the rock wall, the electrical bike, weight machines or even just walking. Working out releases oxytocin which is a chemical in your brain that makes you happy. If you are feeling down, going to the gym is one of the best outlets you can have due to the number of benefits that it has. Working out is one of the best tips I have when you are feeling unenergized, unmotivated, and down in the dumps, it really impacts you in a positive way. Step, bike, stretch or lift yourself out of the harmful winter blues. 

I know this time of year is overwhelming and can really bring you down. I hope these tips that I use can help others out of this dark and sometimes depressing season. I am always here for anybody that needs to talk, just reach out! Stay warm and get that energy pumping! Love, Britaney

• mental health
• seasonal depression college students
• winter