As the holiday season comes to a close, and the hub of winter dramatically comes knocking on our doors (seriously how did we go from 60 degrees on Christmas to 20 degrees two weeks later), I think we can all agree that we find ourselves dreading to get out of bed and out into the cold. It seems like every day I am wishing that class and my meetings would get cancelled so I could curl up, drink some coffee, and watch Netflix all day. While wanting to stay in bed all day is completely natural during this cold season, a serious mood change and sadness could be signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka winter depression).
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs during the dark, cold, winter months and includes several symptoms, like: dramatic mood change, weight change, sad or empty feelings, decreased energy, and oversleeping. While these conditions are very normal considering the cold and the lack of sunshine outside, it is important to find help and to make sure your conditions don’t get too serious.
Some helpful hints for getting through this chilly winter:
Spend time with other people. Have friends over; make potluck dinners with your friends on your hall, meet new people.
On the contrary, it’s also really important to spend time with yourself. Pamper yourself- get a new haircut, get your nails done, try a new foundation. You’ll be surprised that when you feel good, you’ll be ready eager for each day to start. Take yourself out for coffee, go see a movie with that cute boy in your class, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You’ll be nervous at first, but once you get out of the house, I promise you’ll feel better.
How to brave the cold: three words- treat. Yo. Self. Get some super cute winter clothes. A new winter jacket, a cute hat, comfy sweaters, some warm gloves…you’ll be so excited to put on your new clothes and show them off to the world. Don’t forget that it’s more important to be warm than to be cute, though. You just have to learn how to combine the two and you’re set.
Try to walk or exercise whenever you can. Even though it sucks, try walking to class instead of driving. The exposure to fresh air and sunshine will do you wonders. Meet someone new in your class and walk with them to grab lunch after class. Get a workout buddy and go to the gym with them, even if it’s only once or twice a week. My philosophy is that the more you workout, the more chocolate you get to eat when you get home that day.
Last but not least, take advantage of winter. Learn new recipes for soups or cupcakes, curl up on the couch with some hot chocolate, watch a cheesy Netflix movie. Take cool pictures of the snow, learn how to ice skate, snuggle with your significant other. Winter is a beautiful season if you learn to appreciate it!
And always, always reach out to people. Never be afraid to talk about how you are feeling. There are always people that are willing to listen!
