While Mother Nature has decided to bring an unpredictable-and unseasonal batch of wintry weather to Chapel Hill this year, chances are you may still find yourself with a case of those hard to beat “winter blues.”  The good news? You aren’t alone. Studies show millions of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a condition affecting those who suffer phases of depression at certain times of the year, primarily during the winter months. The bad news?  Your daily routines and habits could be to blame.  While sleeping in that comfy bed all day, skipping classes and indulging in comfort foods and sweets might seem like the perfect remedy for a bad day, health experts suggest reconsidering swapping those behaviors in favor of these healthy habits to keep you energized, happy and ready to take spring semester by full force.
1. Get Moving
You’ve heard it all before…”exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy!” But what about those days when you all you feel like doing is slapping Elle Wood’s perky little self in the face, crawling under the covers and avoiding the cold weather (and the gym) at all costs? Tough it out-it’s worth it. Just a 10-minute walk can be enough to lift your mood. Check out some of the awesome (and free!) fitness classes offered by the SRC here if getting outside just isn’t your thing. [link:http://campusrec.unc.edu/group-fitness-classes]
Being surrounded by people and heart-pumping music may be just what you need to feel like your normal self again. Better yet, why not have your own dance party with your roomies or suitemates?
2.Treat Your Body Right
Remember when you were younger and your mother told you to always eat your fruits and vegetables and take your vitamins? No surprise here — she was right. But a nutritious diet is essential for reasons other than developing strong bones and maintaining a healthy weight.  What you eat has been scientifically proven to affect your mood. Doctors give foods with Omega-3 fatty acid’s such as fish, walnuts and olive oil a thumbs up for their ability to energize and fuel our bodies. Other good sources of antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and even dark chocolate! Although diving into a sugar coma might seem like the perfect short-term fix when you’re feeling down, keep in mind that all of the enriched flour and sugar from those cupcakes will only leave you feeling lethargic and cranky a few hours later. Be sure to drink water throughout the day as well. Hydration is crucial for maintaining a steady energy during the day.
3. Â Â Â Â Go Back in Time
Reminiscing on the memories of times when you were at your happiest can be one of the best mood-lifters. Whether it’s going through old Facebook albums of your senior year of high school with your best friends, watching countless episodes of Boy Meets World or Dawson’s Creek or simply listening to that song that always make you smile, reminding yourself of all the little things in life that mean the most to you can make a huge difference in perspective. Call an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while, or read one of your favorite novels. Just escape all the stress in your life by engaging in something that is truly satisfying to you.
Still feeling down? If all else fails, try these quick “uplifters!”
·Pamper yourself: get a pedicure, cook yourself a nice meal, indulge in a little retail therapy-whatever makes you happy, do it. You deserve it.
·Get some sleep! Going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning can do wonders for your mood.
·Go to http://www.dailypuppy.com/. Enough said.
·Call your mom. Chances are, no one knows you better.
And lastly, remind yourself that one of the best parts of living in the South is that our winters are only temporary and that springtime will be here before you know it.
Sources:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/1101/p1521.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34509511/ns/health-mental_health/t/lighten-how-beat-back-winter-blues/#.TwOjL83cBZo
Photo Sources:
“Sad” Girl (photo), Mermaids of the Lake. http://bit.ly/xZDd9c
Girl Eating Apple (photo), Nick Delgado. http://nickdelgado.com/2011/06/the-importance-of-frequent-nibbling/eating-healthy-foods/
Dawson’s Creek (photo), Bukisa. http://www.bukisa.com/articles/265371_what-shows-like-greys-anatomy-gossip-girl-and-dawsons-creek-have-in-common-with-reality
Boy Meets World (photo), AV Club.http://www.avclub.com/articles/boy-meets-world,55651/
Chin Up, Buttercup (photo, Etsy.http://www.etsy.com/listing/76995692/chin-up-buttercup-deluxe-8×10-inch-on-a4