This winter is brutal, and who knew it was going to start in October this year?! Although it might be snowy and cloudy and cold and gray and just plain really freaking cold, there are some ways you can stay happy and healthy this winter season.
Take Advantage of the Indoors
We know it’s hard to feel stuck inside all the time, especially in the dorms or a tiny Oakland apartment, but find ways to love the space you have!
- Try taking a warm bath, not only will the warmth help you relax, but you’ll be nice and clean afterwards; plus it gives you quality me time to think and not be disturbed.
- Rearrange your bedroom or living room! Changing the way your bed faces or even moving a few posters around can create a fresh look. It’s hard to be stuck inside all the time, but this can help your space feel new.
- Netflix, Netflix, Netflix. Think about all of the shows you’ve wanting to start and all the seasons of Friends that exist on Netflix now. Plan a movie night and get started.
Make Time to Get Out
These ideas can only help to ease the pain of being stuck inside, so plan days to get out.
- Go to dinner with the girls. Nothing makes you feel better than looking cute and stuffing yourselves with delicious food.
- Shop, duh! It’s cold out, and who doesn’t need a new pair of boots or a cute scarf to wear. If anything, winter is just an excuse to update your wardrobe.
Keep Yourself Occupied
Winter can tend to make people feel lonely, but you have to remember you aren’t. An easy way to do this is to keep busy.
- Finally put away the laundry that’s been on your floor since the first week of classes. Doing something chore-related will help you stay occupied, and you’ll feel accomplished once it’s done.
- Plan things to do ahead of time. Make sure you have something to look forward to, so when you start to feel lonely you can say, “Hey! Two more days until the new episode of Girls. Life isn’t so bad.”
Stay Active
We lose a lot of sunlight in the winter, which in turn makes our vitamin D levels lower and can cause some serious depressive moods. You can help by staying active.
- Walk anyway. Bundle up and walk to class anyway. It’s best to try and get as much sunlight as possible and being outside in the fresh air can make you feel much better after being stuck inside.
- Go tanning. Yes, you heard me right. Go to the tanning bed! Not only is it relaxing, but in moderation the tanning bed can be really helpful in restoring those vitamin D levels. It’s a little bit of fake sunshine; plus you’ll look great!
- Hit up the gym. Either try to work out at home or take advantage of Pitt’s amazing facilities. Working out raises your heartbeat and pumps out endorphins into your system. These help you to be happier and a lot of times can help boost your self-esteem.
Most of all, just remember that winter can’t last forever!