Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by winter. Yeah, me too. Seasonal Depression (aka Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD) typically starts in the fall and continues into winter. Dealing with Seasonal Depression when you’re on campus can be really difficult as college life is demanding. This is coursework, possible job work, friends wanting to hang out, club meetings…it can be overwhelming, to say the least. So, if you’re struggling with managing your Seasonal Depression on campus, try a couple of these things.
Make a List and Set a Schedule
If you have a lot on your plate it can be really helpful to make a list of all the tasks you have to get done (even the really small ones) and a schedule of the classes or meetings that you have to go to. Checking tasks off a list improves productivity, which can be really helpful when you feel like you don’t want to do anything. Setting a schedule can help you plan out your day ad see when you can take time to relax and do something for you.
Take Time for You
No matter how busy you are, it is incredibly important to take time, at least once a day, to do something for you. This can be anything ranging from seeing your friends, taking a nap, watching a movie, doing a facemask, or really anything that will improve your mood, even for a little while.
Talk with a Counselor
A lot of universities provide counseling services free of charge to students, and many students do not take advantage of this. Counseling can be really beneficial if you’re just not sure what to do. Sometimes they’ll also recommend going to group counseling depending on your situation.
Stay Active and Eat Healthy Food
Many specialists recommend that you try to stay physically active as it can help boost your energy and mood. This can be especially helpful for people that feel exhausted or lethargic. Since there is limited sunlight during the winter, our bodies tend not to get enough Vitamin D. It can be really helpful to take supplements for this or to make more of an effort to go outside when it’s sunny.
Reach Out to a Friend
Talking to a friend about what you’re going through can be really beneficial. You can gain someone that will look out for you and check in on how you’re doing. And who knows, they may be going through the same thing and have some of their own tips that they can share with you.
Hopefully, these tips can help you beat those winter blues and improve your mood as we anxiously wait for that warm spring weather.