7 tips to Beat Winter Slump and Get Back into Full Swing
Some people like the beautiful scenery associated with winter. However, the blizzards and cold winds may affect your moods leading to cheerless days, especially when you feel you need more or better things to happen. The slump may be characterized by lower productivity, sleeping difficulties, and low concentration. The following tips will assist you to get through the season and feel revitalized, positive, and productive.
Change Your Studying Environment
Making a few changes to your working space can have a positive effect on how you feel. Simple adjustments can make you feel energized and proactive. If you study in a setting that has limited natural lighting, you can adopt a bright color scheme and make sure it is airy in the room.
If you participate in study groups, your venue also matters. Ideally, you should choose bright rooms with huge windows that let in natural light to boost concentration and attention. However, fluorescent lighting can also help if there is not enough sunlight.
Healthy Eating
Winter can hurt your ability to take time and eat properly. Healthy eating is essential in making sure that you feel revitalized. You should ensure you consume fresh and healthy meals every day. For instance, you should forego your trips to a vending machine to get your favorite fizzy drink and instead eat an orange or an apple.
You should control the urge to satisfy your craving for carbs as it only boosts your mood temporarily. Alternatively, increase your plant intake, especially if you are feeling tired, low in energy, or burnt out. Since they are loaded with vitamins, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, they will supply you with the "fuel" you require.
Know Your Limits
One of the reasons your slump may elongate is the out-of-control schedule. It is common to have spillover projects while you are getting familiar with the newer ones. If you feel overwhelmed, it is an opportune time to determine how you can get out of the rut. It can begin with a simple rethinking of the projects you can realistically complete. Alternatively, you can seek cheap custom writing paper services to assist you with clearing your backlog.
Plan a Fun Activity or Trip
You may often feel isolated during the cold season or have to cancel plans because of weather-related issues. If you crave social interaction, you may lose your enthusiasm and feel a lack of energy. Therefore, you should endeavor to spend time with people who make you happy as it is essential for your well-being and health.
You can collaborate with a few friends to plan a weekend trip to a warmer location. Apart from the 2–3 days of "healing," you will feel in control when planning the getaway and have something positive to remember afterward.
Get Enough Sleep
Generally, every person requires eight hours of sleep a day to remain alert, feel rested, and retain information well. However, you should find a sleep schedule that works for you and makes you feel better during the night and the following morning.
Having enough sleep is critical for you as a student because what you study needs to be transferred from the short-term to your long-term memory. Besides, it helps you to gain a positive mindset, which is critical in enhancing your mood and well-being. The shorter daylight hours may cause you to feel more sleepy; thus, you should heed that feeling.
Physical Exercise
Being physically active is a critical component of your mental health. However, not everybody can be an athlete or commit to a gym every day, especially with a tight daily schedule.
Nonetheless, exercise should be among your top priorities if you need to boost your productivity and stay positive. You can schedule a morning run or take a brisk walk to get your mind and body moving. You can also practice yoga sessions, stretching routine, or pilates exercise.
You should consider a type of exercise that exposes you to sunlight as it helps your body to generate serotonin, which is the hormone that makes you happy, content, calm, and have a feel-good effect. It is advisable to exercise in the morning as it will have the best impact on your mood and energy.
Indulge in a Television Series or Book
If you are indoors, you should consider selecting a good television series that will keep you occupied. Nonetheless, avoid binge-watching all episodes into the late hours of the night as that will disturb your sleep schedule and energy levels.
You can pick a series with a lot of seasons such as the Grey's Anatomy or The Walking Dead and pace it over fixed periods to control the binging urge. Alternatively, you can identify one or two interesting reads. Snuggling up on the couch and wrapped in a blanket while reading an exciting book will definitely have a positive effect in beating your slump.
Conclusion
Winter coupled with the waning excitement of a just-concluded holiday season can make life uncomfortable for a lot of people, especially when it affects your energy and moods. However, you should not settle for low productivity and moments of depression. The identified pointers will assist you in pulling yourself out of the winter slump.