During my first winter quarter at Cal Poly, I struggled with seasonal depression, as many college students do. I often isolated myself in my dorm due to being overwhelmed and stressed from homework and midterms. Sometimes I wouldn’t have class until the sun had already gone down. Walking 20 minutes in the dark through the coastal chill of San Luis Obispo to class is enough to bring anyone down.Â
This past quarter, I have found better ways to deal with the difficulties of seasonal depression. Although your class schedule is a major factor, motivation and learned habits can bring you farther than you might think.Â
As previously mentioned, SLO can get pretty chilly during the winter, and most students don’t have access to quality heating. My apartment’s heater is broken (something that seems to be a common theme) making it extra icy at night. Since I’ve been complaining about this for a while, my dad bought me a “warming set” for Christmas– and my world changed. The set came with a warm water bottle, fuzzy socks, hot cocoa, candy canes, and a mug. The warm water bottle was perfect to bring into bed– not to mention, it is also a safer alternative to a heating pad with a cord. Fuzzy socks or slippers are an absolute must, especially for cold dorm floors and bathroom tile. Having a warm drink always creates a lasting warmth and leaves me feeling more relaxed when doing homework or trying to relax. It’s easier to bring yourself out of a funk when your environment is full of cozy items.
Since many students don’t have access to a quality kitchen during their first year, it can be difficult to eat exactly what you want. Undoubtedly, the best grocery store for convenient and cozy food is Trader Joe’s. Even though it’s always packed, visiting is worth it because their selection is constantly changing. I am a serial buyer of the Organic Pesto Tortellini and the Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese Bites. These meals are deliciously warm and easy to make with access to a microwave or a small kitchen. If the warm meals aren’t doing it for you though, sometimes the best way to fight the winter depression is to get up and away from campus for a moment.Â
The coffee spots of SLO are well-loved and often busy hubs of studying and chatting. Personally, being around productive and social people helps bring me back to reality and focus on my goals. My favorite spots to get cozy in a cute area and get some work done or hang out with friends are Linnaea’s Cafe, Kreuzberg California, and any of the Scout Coffee locations off campus. These businesses are perfect for people to rally their friends to, or lock in on your own time to get out of the house. There’s never a lack of spots either–new spots like SLO Rooted Coffee Co. and Joebella Coffee are downtown and delicious!
Of course– going to these coffee shops requires a stylish and cozy outfit. Each person has their unique feelings on style, but I feel that the cutest winter clothes that spice up any of my outfits are tights, plaid sweaters, and crewneck sweatshirts. In SLO, bringing a removable layer is a must, because it can change 20 degrees from the morning to the middle of the day.
Winter quarter can be a drag, and spring break might feel far away, but the rush of the quarter system will prove otherwise. Don’t neglect self-care until you’re dying for it! Incorporate these simple tips into your day-to-day routine and you’ll slowly notice a positive change in your mental state.