These past few weeks, the sudden realization has come upon me, winter is here. The air is finally chilly again, no longer are we having spontaneous seventy-degree days. It’s cold, my hands are dry, lips chapped, and the sun is setting at a rough 4:30p.m. For many, including myself, this can create a plethora of vastly different emotions, and can cause lots of change in our typical, day to day routines.
This seasonal transition is something that I personally have struggled with for as long as I can remember, though thankfully, I have found there are plenty of ways to avoid the dread that cold months tend to drag along with them. I’ve compiled a list of habits, routines, and random additions to my life that have allowed me to embrace the winter season, and avoid seasonal depression.
One habit I have incorporated into my day-to-day life is waking up earlier. I will preface this by saying that in no way shape or form do I consider myself to be defined as a natural “morning person”. In comparison to my sister, who is always up naturally no later than 7 am, I am unfortunately not the same. That being said, forcing myself to wake up early can be increasingly difficult, and painstakingly annoying at times. Waking up to a blaring loud alarm isn’t always the most peaceful way to arise from sleep. The main benefit of waking up early that I have noticed creating a change in my mood throughout the day, is that I’m allowing myself time to remain awake while the sun is out.
Sunlight is crucial in the body receiving its everyday dose of vitamin D, so with this addition to my everyday routine, it allows for not only mental health benefits, but physical health as well. The first thing I do every morning is open my blinds, and let that morning sunlight in. Instantly setting the tone for the day, this simple change allows me to start my days on the most positive note.
Another way I have allowed myself to better embrace the colder months is through the romanticization of school. It may sound a bit comical, or pretentious, but truly nothing beats the feeling of bundling up for class, a hot cup of coffee in hand, and listening to a nice new fall playlist. I find that making the most out of any season through new playlists, or new fashion choices and combinations, really enables me to get the most out of the weather, and view the change in a new light, one that provides joy and excitement.
This thought leads into another way I make the most of the seasonal, more specifically temperature, change, is through fashion. I have found that through the outfits I put together, I am able to express myself in the most creative and fulfilling ways, and this excitement only grows as a new season dwell upon us. Allowing myself to buy a few new pieces that pertain to the change in weather at the start of every season really helps mentally, especially when said seasonal change can be tough. The joy I get from wearing a new outfit, or styling a new piece is incomparable, and through this, I find myself excited for winter, despite the harsh, freezing temperatures, and early sunsets lie ahead.
The media I personally consume on the daily is a huge aspect of my life, and specifically in setting the tone and mood of how my days will go. Oftentimes, what gets me through the longest, most tedious assignments, is that I have relaxing time to look forward to. The hour that I finally let myself relax, get comfy into bed, and put on a good movie, or indulge into a brilliant book, helps me get trhough the toughest days.
I find something that helps embrace the seasonal change is to align these media consumptions with the corresponding seasons. As an example, as fall approaches, some of my favorite re-watches, and re-reads include Dead Poets Society, the Harry Potter series, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, and even Gilmore Girls. All of these shows have themes and settings that feel so inherently autumn, thus making viewing these in said season that much more enjoyable.
Lastly, nothing feels more right when the air gets chilled, than participating in the holiday festivities. This time of year, I find there’s always something fun and exciting going on. Elevated activities to hang out with your friends, such as going ice skating, shopping the Christmas themed markets, or seeing a holiday show, are some of my favorite ways to maintain friendships and relationships through the winter months.
All in all, I feel we are all in agreement that the winter months can be tough, dreadful, and feel a bit lifeless. Though, this list of tips and tricks I’ve gathered over the years has allowed me to fully embrace, and dare I say even enjoy the cold months. I’ve found that the biggest factor in changing your mindset, though, is taking a step back, and allowing yourself to feel grateful to live in a place where we get to experience the beauty of vastly different seasons.