There seems to be a trend with cold or winter-themed posts recently. But, realistically, who can blame us writers? It's cold, everything is wet, we hardly ever see the sun, and to top it all off, there is nothing we can really change about these things, so we're left to wait until spring pops through the arctic conditions.
However, even though we can’t change the weather, we can change how we feel during this depressing time. Putting some simple time into your own mood and well-being is bound to be the most beneficial in the long run. So, here are five things to beat the blues this winter.
1. Go through your clothes.
It may not be ideal being cooped up inside all winter, but use this downtime for your advantage. Going through your clothes is a great start for making you feel great. You can get a head start on spring cleaning too, which may help put you in the season. Use this time to de-clutter and prioritize. Its always the best to sell clothes you may not wear or aren't your size to get things you may like a lot.
2. Start a new season on Netflix.
There is so much time inside now, so you might as well spend it doing something that you can discuss with your friends outside of class or over coffee. Snuggling up in warm clothes and blankets and watching something that you haven’t had the time to watch might be just what you need this winter time.
3. Write.
Let your creativity flow! Start a blog. Use your journal. Mail your grandparent a hand written note. (Maybe apply for a cool site like The Odyssey). Just put your pen to the paper or your hands to a keyboard. Having so much time to think may allow you to create a new hobby, expand your network, or just catch up with someone you love.
4. Vitamin D.
This one may not be such an activity or a task, but hear me out! It's dark and cold and you are probably stocked up on mostly coffees and warm junky food from the Student Center. Eat something healthy. Drink a few bottles of orange juice before spring comes back. Start taking a vitamin. If you feel good in the times of the flu and negative temperatures, the winter may not be so unbearable. Plus, just like cleaning out your closet, maybe you’ll pick up a healthy habit after this.
5. Take a few baths (or long showers).
This one is probably the most self-explanatory of this list. It is cold, and baths are the quickest way to warm up. But I’m challenging you to rethink your usual bath this winter. Invest in some bath bombs, Epson salts, or essential oils. Light a few candles. Make the effort to make yourself as cozy and warm as possible. If you don’t have a bath, find a friend that does. If they don’t have once, take an extra long shower and give yourself time afterwards to be warm, not to freeze your hair in a hurry. Just a quick note: make sure to rinse your bath fun down the drain. It can be messy to be comfortable.
Hope this gives you a few ideas to beat the winter blues. And if not, January is almost over, February is a short month, and spring starts in March!
