As mentioned in a previous article of mine, winter is not everyone's favorite season. The bitter cold, dangerous snowstorms, just about everything about winter puts people in a bad mood. With the semester starting back up, here are some ways we can de-stress, relax and survive until spring.
1. Snuggle up with a good book.
Reading can help someone to escape their reality. Even though you may not be able to buy a plane ticket to a tropical island, you can always live out your fantasy through a character in a book. Just pick the right book and go with it!
2. Drink a warm beverage.
I'm convinced that coffee, tea or hot chocolate can cure anything. Get a nice cup of whatever you'd like, sit in a comfy chair and drink it. You'll instantly feel better.
3. Host a movie marathon with your friends.
What's better than sitting around with your friends, in your PJ's, watching 10 movies in a row all day in your dorm room? Nothing. Do this. You'll thank me later.
4. Take a break from work.
Whatever stresses you out most in life, whether it be schoolwork or your real world job, take some time away from it. A few days can really help clear your mind and get you right.
5. Take a nap.
Within that time you took off from work, make sure to fit a nap in somewhere. Naps are the second best cure to anything, behind a warm beverage, of course.
6. Listen to your favorite music.
Music will help you forget about your stresses and what you may losing sleep over. Put on your favorite song and dance it out, or learn all the lyrics to a new album.
7. Breathe.
Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in life and we forget to just take a breath. A deep breath, in and out, can help you to relax. Do this every so often and you'll feel better.
8. Dress for the weather.
With the weather being cold, don't forget to wear the right clothing. Gloves, a hat and a jacket will keep you from getting sick from the weather. The last thing you want is to feel physically ill when your mind isn't doin' too hot.
9. Bake.
Baking is great therapy. Find a great recipe online, in a cookbook or from friends and family. I highly recommend the "Tasty" page on Facebook because they have so many recipes that require minimal ingredients and end up tasting so good! (Also, that GIF is amazing.)
10. Color.
So many of my friends received coloring books as Christmas gifts, and I have two myself. Although some think this is childish, if it de-stresses you, it's worth it.
11. Shop online.
This may not look too good for your bank account, but a little controlled retail therapy never hurt anybody. Buying that one thing you've wanted for a while will cheer you up instantly!
Just remember: Winter doesn't last forever. Wait it out!
