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Exeter | Wellness

How to avoid seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as we get further into the colder months!

Emily Thrower Student Contributor, University of Exeter
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Exeter chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

As we head into November, the weather is getting colder, and evenings are getting darker. I LOVE this time of year as Christmas is on the way, but there are some days where the gloomy weather can really affect my mood. Rainy, dark days encourage more nights in, and hiding away from the world is often what kickstarts seasonal affective disorder. I am determined not to allow the weather to dictate my mood, so I have thought of some cosy activities to keep me feeling positive even when the weather is miserable!

Cosy movie nights!

Movie nights are a MUST HAVE over the colder period and snuggling up, hot choc in hand, with your girls is the best way to spend a rainy day. My favourite cosy movies are:

  • Any of the Bridget Jones movies – ALWAYS a must-watch as weather gets colder. I aspire to embody the ‘frazzled English woman’ aesthetic every autumn!!
  • Little Women – Probably one of my favourite movies EVER!! From the warm lighting, to the costume details, to TimothĂ©e Chalamet (obviously), this movie will never fail to make me feel cosy!!
  • Lady and the Tramp – One of my favourite Disney movies and SUCH a wintery vibe. The music is so ‘old Disney’ and I LOVE IT.
  • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society- First of all, Lily James is one of my favourite actresses, so I’m already sold. Plus, this movie is the most wholesome watch and carries such a poignant message!!

Coffee catch-up!

I always feel that the perfect café trip consists of a yummy hot choc and rainy weather! There is no better feeling that reading a book, catching up with a friend, or doing some uni work in the depths of autumn, especially in a cosy café!

Drawing!

If you’re feeling like having a cosy afternoon after a busy week of lectures, doing a bit of drawing is the perfect way to wind down. I always search up ideas on Pinterest as there is so much inspo, and spend an hour or so doing a bit of drawing with a cup of tea and a movie on in the background. No better way to spend a rainy afternoon!

Pottery Painting!

This is such a fun activity to do with friends in the autumn! Decorating a pot, possibly with an autumn/winter theme is you’re feeling festive ;), whilst chatting with your friends is the perfect way to spend a cosy afternoon. The Jolly Pottery on Fore Street is my fav!

Pub evening!

You might not be in the clubbing mood if it’s cold and gloomy outside, but a pub trip with a pack of cards is such a nice alternative. You get the best of both worlds: a cheeky bev with friends, but in a calmer environment than the club. The bustling atmosphere of a pub in the evening cannot be beaten!

These are just a few activities to do with friends or on your own that can help combat seasonal affective disorder. But remember that sometimes you’re going to wake up not feeling your best and that is absolutely ok!! It’s impossible to be positive all the time!! However, it is important to continue doing the little things that bring you joy, especially in the colder months. I hope that this short list gives you some inspiration on how to view this time of year as an opportunity to do more cosy activities!

Have a wholesome autumn ladies :)

Hi! I'm Emily Thrower and I am a second year English and Communications student :)

I am obsessed with fashion, love a long dog walk, and although you never need to convince me to go on a night out, I will be SAT at 8pm every Tuesday to watch the Bake Off with a cup of tea in hand like clockwork.

I really enjoy writing essays- I know, it shocked me too!!, and have always wanted to explore the magazine journalism industry. I am so excited to be the Health and Lifestyle editor for Her Campus this year, and am even more excited to be writing surrounded by such a welcoming group of women!