Winter can be depressing even in warmer climates, but it’s especially tough in areas that get extremely harsh winter weather. I’m from sunny, mild-wintered Atlanta and I’m currently attending school at the University of Michigan, where the sun hasn’t shined in what feels like months. When it’s gray, cold, and damp outside, it’s easy to get down. I’ve put together a few ways to beat the winter blues, and I hope they help y’all as much as they’ve helped me!

I tend to get fairly anxious in the winter when I can’t get outside to go for a walk or run, so I bought myself a yoga mat so I can work out in my dorm room. I found a great app called “7 Minutes” made by Wahoo Fitness that gives you ever-changing seven-minute workouts that are challenging, but also are incredibly easy to fit into a rigorous class and extracurricular schedule. Seven minutes is so little time and they’re bodyweight exercises, so you can do them anywhere. Getting moving and working my body helps relax my brain and release endorphins to make me feel better.

I usually follow up the seven-minute workout with a yoga session, which I find on YouTube. I search for “yoga for relaxation” or “yoga for beginners” and try to do a 15-minute or so video. I’m bad at yoga, but the focus on breathing and relaxation is incredibly helpful for me! I always finish my sessions feeling more relaxed, stronger, and ready to take on the rest of my day. I can’t stress enough how much moving your body and getting your endorphins flowing help in beating the winter blues.

“Self-care” has become such a buzzword, but whatever you call it, taking time to care for yourself and make yourself feel good is always helpful when you’re feeling down. Whether it’s taking a long bubble bath with a good book, or snuggling into fresh sheets with Netflix, or spending some time with your friends laughing and having a good time, or ordering new clothes or makeup online, whatever it takes to make you feel better is so important. It’s easy to get caught up in classwork and extracurriculars when you’re in college, but taking time for yourself is important and will really help you bust any winter sadness you’ve got.

After a few weeks of implementing these tips, my mood has improved dramatically! I hope they’re helpful for all of y’all who might be feeling low this winter.