Winter depression most definitely is a thing. With cold weather, lots of precipitation and a lack of sunlight, it is not that difficult to see why so many people hate this time of year. Everyone seems to be moody and with being three weeks into classes, stress has already taken over. So if you want yourself, relationship and friendships to survive these winter blues, follow these simple tips to help combat the depression the dark skies have put you in.

1. Divide Your Time

Make sure to divide your time between your friends, school work, actual work and your organizations. The less time you are alone with your thoughts the better.

2. Alcohol Is a No-No

Do NOT attempt to drink away your depression. Alcohol is a depressant so it might seem like it will make all of your problems go away, but I promise you it will only make things worse. Also, when was the last time you made a good decision while intoxicated, let alone drunk? The last thing your relationships need is a depressed and drunken you making poor decisions.

3. Sleep and Eat

Sleeping and eating are very important. I know those snickers ads that say "You aren't you when your hungry" might seem ridiculous, but they are correct. People have shown to be crankier and more susceptible to seasonal depression when hungry or sleep deprived.

4. Take a Vacation

Do not over exert yourself. You do not need to make everyone happy. You are allowed to take "vacations" or mental breaks to help yourself get better. It is not your job to make sure everyone else's mental state is okay, you are only responsible for yourself. Do not ware yourself out, they will survive and so will your grades. If these people were truly your friends they would understand.

No one is worth stress of self hatred, neither is any class or job or organization. You are allowed to be selfish every once and a while. No one will hate you for it and if they do, they weren't good enough for you anyway. No boy is worth making you feel inadequate. No friend should make you feel bad for needing time to yourself. Help yourself survive these blues, don't let the dark and the cold take over you. Stay strong loves.