Cold, rain, wind, occasional snow. Winter is in full swing and sometimes it seems like there is no end in sight. We have had some crazy weather this year and some freakishly warm days this winter, but now especially with the temperatures this week, it seems like winter may never end. It is so extremely tempting to just skip classes and stay in bed to watch Netflix all day when it is raining and cold, I know. The struggle is real. Winter is my least favorite season. I can’t stand the cold and everything is dead, so some years I go through winter in a haze that makes it seem longer and harder than any other time of the year. Many suffer from seasonal depression, and I know from firsthand experience that it is not a fun experience. Rather than wallowing in my sadness and hatred of the cold, over the years I have come up with some ways to get me through winter relatively unscathed. Here are some tips that have helped me cope with the winter blues:
1. Stay busy!
If you keep yourself busy during the winter, spring will be here before you know it. Time really does fly when you are having fun. Make lunch dates, go to the library between classes instead of napping, go to club meetings, and actually go to class!! There is no time to be sad if you keep yourself busy. Although, sometimes you have to be careful that you don’t push yourself so hard that you just make things worse.
2. Exercise!
Exercise is always great for mental health. Getting to the gym is the hardest part, so make your friends go with you if you can because that makes it worlds easier. Even going on a walk on those rare days of slight warmth will make you feel so much better.
3. Meditate!
Listen to Yoda, you must. Meditating can be difficult if you have a lot on your mind, but if you really focus, you can clear your mind of your troubles. Focusing on your breathing or even counting can help you clear your mind. Yoga or even just doing some stretching can also help. Once you get it, meditating is the best! I know I sound like such a hippie, but it really helps me feel balanced and centered and more ready to take on the world. (Also, coloring has become the new meditation, so if it doesn’t work to just sit down and meditate, grab some colored pencils and one of those coloring books you got for Christmas and go to town.)
4. Listen to good music!
Put on your favorite album or listen to that new artist you haven’t got around to checking out yet. Music can be extremely relaxing and can distract you from negative thoughts. Maybe listening to uplifting or exciting music might get you hyped up to get out and do something.
5. Get out of the house/residence hall!
If it is the evening or the weekend and you’re done with your homework, go out and do something! Grab your friends, get in the car, and go. Whether it’s to just eat Chipotle or to go for a night out on the town, forcing yourself to get out of bed and do something fun is sometimes absolutely necessary. Be like Taylor. Have a blast and dance away your sorrows!
6. Do something you love!
Lost a passion along the way? If you have the time, pick it back up! If you love to sing, go lock yourself in a practice room with old sheet music and sing your little heart out. Pick up that guitar you haven’t played in months. Read a book, paint a picture, write a story. And hey, if you really love Netflix, have at it! Just don’t let it bring you down to the point where you want to do nothing but stay in bed all day watching shows you have seen a hundred times.
7. Vent to your friends.
I am sure that most people already take advantage of this, but this is important. Blowing off steam by venting to your friends is – most of the time – such a weight off your chest, just to be able to talk to someone about what is going on in your life.
8. It’s okay to cry!
Crying! I love crying! After crying, I feel like the bad stuff has finally come flooding out. Sometimes when you hold so much negative stuff in, you have to let it out somehow! The same can go for using a pillow as a punching bag or going to a remote place and screaming. Let those feelings out, but don’t take it out on the people around you because that will never go well.
9. Look up inspiring quotes.
This sounds so cliché and sappy, but, this really does help me. Words are so powerful, and sometimes it doesn’t take much to be inspired. This helps me keep a positive mindset when I am not feeling 100 percent like myself. The point is, you aren’t alone in all of this. So many people get bummed out in the winter, and I think these tips can probably help if you are feeling down at any time of the year. It’s okay to get caught up in your feelings, but it is important to learn to conquer them so that you can live your life. Moping doesn’t accomplish anything.
If you really are struggling and nothing at all seems to help you, I would highly recommend checking out Counseling Services. Any kind of depression or anxiety is hard, but there are people that would be glad to help you take advantage of the services CNU has to offer. Don’t just make excuses, do something about it. That may sound harsh, but sometimes you need a good slap in the face to actually do something and seek help or try and beat it yourself. So you’ve got the winter blues? Well, I believe you can get through it. You just have to take it a step at a time. There are fewer than six weeks left of winter anyway, so it will be over before you know it!