The Winter Blues. Because of the shorter days, less sunlight, and the end of the holidays, it can be really hard to get yourself out of bed in the morning, let alone go to your classes. Here are some tips for dealing with this blue time of year, to get you through your winter quarter.
Exercise.
I know. I'm tired of hearing it too. But its true. Exercise is good for you and for so much more than losing weight. It can promote better sleep, give you more energy, and just give you a much needed boost of self confidence as well. Even a brisk walk can help you start reaping the benefits.
Consider Investing in a Blue Light.
While not the cheapest option, investing in one of these Blue Light lamp's can be beneficial. I use one myself during the darker winter months. The blue light mimics UV rays, and can be helpful in fighting off the winter blues and giving your body that extra dose of energy. You can read more about picking one here
Limit Alcohol Consumption.
This makes me sound like such a buzzkill, I know. But alcohol is a depressant, and the last thing you need during the darker winter months is a hangover and the Booze Blues. I know that its college and its fun to get lit with your friends, but be careful with your drinks and use your best judgment. Drink a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink if you can. You'll thank me when you aren't missing class due to a hangover.
Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule.
Sleep is how your body heals itself and restores function. Denying yourself some good, regular sleep is asking for trouble. The less sleep you have, the more likely you are to be depressed, or exhibit risk-taking behavior. So turn off your phone, curl up, and get some good ZZZs.
Vitamin D.
Take some supplements. Part of the reason we're tired and sad during Winter Quarter is that the sun is gone and we're not receiving any of the health benefits its radiant rays bring us. Pick some Vitamin D up from your local store and supplement your body until the sun decides to show its face again
Take a Mental Health Day.
With everything going on, sometimes it can seem impossible to find a moment to rest. Sometimes you just need a day to stay at home and breathe and so you can't deny yourself the occasional mental health day. Everything in moderation. Don't skip all of your classes for a week, it'll make things worse in the long run, but giving yourself a three day weekend once a month can be beneficial.
Fresh air.
As cold as it is, go outside, take a breath. It'll give you a moment to organize your brain and slow you to get some fresh air instead of continuing to breathe in all the dust you've been breathing in inside. If you go for a short walk, you can hit two birds with one stone!
See your friends!
People Socialize Restaurant Eating SocializingIt can be easy to isolate when you're dealing with seasonal depression and still trying to pass your classes. Again, all in moderation. See your friends, isolating yourself is just going to make you feel worse in the long run and it won't help you at all.
Take A Moment.
Take a moment for some mindfulness. With classes, homework, friends, relationships, etc swimming around in your brain, it can be hard to keep things straight, so its worthwhile to take a moment and focus on one thing. Your brain will thank you for it.
SAD? See a Doctor.
Do you think you're exhibiting severe signs of seasonal depression? Sadder than just the Winter Quarter Blues? It would be worthwhile to talk to your Doctor about SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, otherwise known as SAD. Sometimes, its a bigger problem than going for a jog or getting some extra time in the sun can fix.
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