As soon as the cold winter weather starts to roll in, I am faced with a steep decline in energy followed by the irresistible desire to hibernate and/or curl up in a blanket and watch Netflix for the entirety of the winter. Not to mention the pressure of finals and projects starts to set in, which makes the Netflix option all the more desirable. Sound familiar? You too may be experiencing the winter blues. Often characterized by a decline in energy and increased fatigue, the winter blues are taking a toll on students across the country.

Resisting the unrelenting calls of your warm, cozy bed and the latest season of "Scandal" on Netflix can be a challenge, but fortunately, there are a few surefire ways to up your energy and fight the winter blues to give you the productivity you need to finish out the semester with flying colors.

1. Exercise

Get up and move! Exercise is a natural mood booster and is sure to leave you feeling happy and alert for the day.

2. Start your day off with a rad playlist

Create a playlist full of your favorite upbeat, “feel good” songs or find a playlist that has already been created on Spotify or by a friend. Listening to this playlist while you are making breakfast or getting ready in the morning will leave you prepared to take on the day’s activities. My go-to choice is the “Have a great day” playlist on Spotify (admittedly cheesy, yet surprisingly effective).

3. Surround yourself with loved ones

Be sure to make time for those who put a smile on your face. Laughing and chatting with friends and family are instant mood-boosters.

4. Go outside

What’s better than a breath of fresh air? I’ll tell you--nothing! For a sure way to boost your mood, go outside and take advantage of the great outdoors. You do not have to do anything extravagant here, a simple walk around the block will do the trick. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Take up a winter sport such as skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, ice fishing, or ice skating. The possibilities are endless!

5. Create brightness in your home

Keep your shades open to let in the natural daylight. Creating light with candles or lamps are also great options for those afternoons that turn into nights around 4 p.m. For an added bonus, use lavender scented candles. Lavender is often used to reduce stress and eliminate nervous tension.

6. Don’t forget to flash those pearly whites!

There is significant evidence that shows a smile can boost your mood in an instant. Go ahead, turn that frown upside down!