Address to Summer Lovers:
I understand: it may feel like warmth should be just around the corner, but the sun is still setting early, the hurricane winds make it impossible to sit outside, and everyone seems to be in a bad mood. But I must remind you: the sun does still rise, even if it happens later in the morning, and there are still twenty-four hours in the day. I know one of the main pros cited for summer is the few extra hours of sleep without an alarm because school is out of session. In the wintertime, though, waking up around 11 am means missing those extra hours of daylight (that end at 4 pm). Just beat the sunrise to the punch. Wintertime can be hard for anyone, but as a passionate fan of the season, I want to try highlighting the bright sides.
Here is a comprehensive list on how to quell that seasonal ‘depression’ until spring rolls back around.
1. Soundtrack the mundane moments in life.
Most of the world also has to go through winter and has thus felt the way you do now. Curating a playlist or finding wintery albums can help romanticise or highlight the best parts of winter — or at least bring comfort in knowing that you are not the only one experiencing the worst parts. Listen to this music while walking to class, studying, running errands, etc. The music can be your company. Winter is so quiet in comparison to summer, and it is a great time to reflect inwardly and embrace solitude. If you’re not a big music person, this also applies to movies and books. Just try diving into seasonally appropriate media. (My personal recs: Evermore by Taylor Swift or Priceless Jazz 2 by Billie Holiday for albums; The entire Narnia series by C.S. Lewis for books… They are technically children’s books, but they make for an easy, cozy binge read.)
2. Indulge in warm and cozy foods and drinks.
This may be a bit biased, but coffee and tea taste better hot anyway. All that ice takes away the beauty of a warm, well-crafted drink. Indulge in true cappuccinos, hot cocoas, London fogs, or even mulled wine if you fancy a bit of alcohol. Not only are they tasty, but the takeaway cups also make great handwarmers and accessories. Soups are also super easy, comforting meals to whip up, and I know a quick meal is appealing to any uni student. Try the New Covent Garden Soup Co. cartons: they sell them in Tesco, and it only takes two minutes to heat them up! If you’re looking for an indoor activity to kill some time, you can also try making your own soup from scratch. Following a recipe is very calming and a great way to spend time alone without feeling listless.
3. Make a fashion statement!
Layering and accessorizing are such fun and simple ways to care for yourself in your morning routine. When you get dressed, you may have to wear a thermal or a sweater (or both), but that doesn’t mean your outfit has to be boring or sloppy. Try off-the-shoulder sweaters or ones with interesting sleeves and cuts (like mock necklines, peplum-esque silhouettes, or unique knitting patterns). My personal favourite accessories are thick knit scarves and gloves, which I always make sure to colour-coordinate (and sometimes a matching hat works too!). Urban Outfitters and Calzedonia have affordable pieces that can really add a kick to your wardrobe. A bunch of the local stores in St Andrews also have cute scarves and socks — Jewel on Market Street is my go-to. As for supplementing your warmth without adding visible layers, Uniqlo Heattech tops and leggings are super-thin, warm undergarments that look as if you are only wearing jeans and a light sweater.
4. Be the sunshine.
Invite people out or organise a cozy hangout at your place. You don’t need the sun as an excuse to see people. You can bring sunshine to people’s day instead (or allow them to bring some to yours). Have friend group dinners or board game nights, try baking desserts (even if you suck at baking), plan study dates, or say yes to more nights out and just bring a big coat. The world does not stop moving just because it’s frozen over. My personal favourite spot for a nice, unhurried hangout is The Jigger Inn. They have tea (with milk and biscuits!), so you don’t even need to drink. They also have outdoor heaters and offer blankets at the outdoor seating section, which offers a beautiful view of the golf course. You can also take a slow walk along West Sands on your way to The Jigger Inn, and that is the most gorgeous way to get some Vitamin D in without feeling like your walk is aimless.
5. Shift your sleep schedule.
This may seem obvious, but sleeping earlier makes the night feel shorter. Instead of sleeping from midnight to 10 am, try sleeping from 10 pm to 8 am (if you need that many hours). Allow yourself to call it a day when the sun sets, if you have to. It just means you will have a brighter start the next day.
Of course, there is no literal cure to seasonal depression, nor will any of these tips work for every single person. Everyone is different, but I just hate seeing so many people down in the dumps just because it is cold outside. Just remember the sun still rises, and so should you.