Being from Minnesota, I tend to assert that I know the ins and outs of the winter season. We don’t quite get the lake effect snow and winds of Chicago, nor the Nor’easters of Boston and New York, but in the land of 10,000 lakes, weeks of negative degrees and snow on the ground from November to May is not out of place. Long winters are so normal that many Minnesotans lay claim to being able to smell or feel a snow storm coming on.
Even if it’s not quite to the extreme of the Twin Cities, Madison winters can also feel like they last forever. Thankfully, this winter has offered a little bit of reprieve from the levity of the pandemic since most of January remained well above 0° F. However, the groundhog saw his shadow earlier this month, so that means we are in store for more of everyone’s favorite season. Regardless, making the most of winter anywhere starts with being prepared. Beyond the necessary hat, mittens, boots and down-parka, you also need to make sure you are taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. Like I said before, winter is long, and there are plenty of days where nearly everyone I know has not wanted to leave their room. It’s hard when the sun isn’t out very long and your todo list is a mile high, but there are a number of things you can do to ensure that you can still thrive even in the cold.
Lately, I have found that reshifting my workspace has done wonders for my mental health. Making a couple simple adjustments in organization and set up has been a great way to mix it up while also making sure I’m productive. Whether that being in taping up some new pictures or reorganizing my desk, bookshelf and furniture, a few slight changes can really help with the monotony of the day-to-day online world. I’ve also found myself very interested in plants, having gotten some for Christmas. Many of my friends have been in the plant phase for a while now, but I never realized the wonders that they can do until I, too, became a plant mom. My succulents are super easy to take care of, adding a little spritz of oxygen while also taking up minimal space in my small dorm. I’m also convinced anyone can take care of them. While these are simple tricks to spruce up your living space when you are snowed in, it’s also important to put some focus on yourself physically.
With less general time spent outside, our bodies often need a little help in boosting vitamin D and other natural chemicals. Many people utilize sun lamps as a relatively low risk way to increase energy and sleep levels. Although I personally haven’t gotten around to using one, I’ve only heard great things. However, I have personally found that taking a Vitamin D supplement once a day is really beneficial in helping to synthesize the production that is usually triggered by sunlight. It also helps since I find myself on a college diet. Of course, any chance you can get outside in the elements is one of the best ways to combat seasonal affective disorder.
While we tend to spend a lot of time inside during the winter, especially during COVID, there is something magical about the snow on the ground. Here on campus, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy all that the season has to offer. Prior to coming to UW, I heard legends about the events that make up spring semester. From the Winter Carnival to the Southeast-Lakeshore Snowball Fight and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, it is no secret that UW students find ways to have a good time in the depths of the cold. Even if these events are unlikely to take place because of the pandemic, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Madison in the early months of the year. Whether that be sledding on Observatory Hill, walking along the Lakeshore Path after a blizzard, or playing hockey and skating on Lake Mendota, there are so many ways to explore your surroundings in a socially distanced fashion.
Winter can often feel dark and lonely, but it doesn’t have to. As long as you’re prepared and make sure to prioritize yourself, especially on your hardest days, you’ll be well set to make the most of the season. Stay Warm!