I know it and you know it. Summer you is a different you. Like many others, I’m dreading the colder weather. As the sun starts setting earlier and each day begins to feel shorter, it’s important to turn to healthy coping habits. Start prepping your mind in the fall — here are some ways to keep your sanity during those gloomy days.
Go for a walk outside each day
Surprise, surprise, going outside for a walk will improve your mood. It’s hard to get outside sometimes, especially when you’re all comfy in your apartment. I even think “no way am I going outside” when it’s snowing and cold. Ottawa weather is extremely cold, so dress warm. The quicker you worry less about how cute you look with 20 puffy layers on, the faster you’ll become ok with heading outside in the wintertime. If you aren’t able to get outside, at least incorporate some activity into your day.
Invest in a sunrise alarm clock
These actually work. The light will gradually become brighter as the time gets closer to your alarm. This technique is used to allow the body to wake up with ease instead of having that lethargic feeling. There is also a dusk setting, where the clock will slowly fade to darkness. These clocks specifically mention improving sleep through the colder months. I personally believe these are one of the best gifts.
Aromatherapy & vitamins
Essential oils have many health benefits. I don’t know about you all, but my mood definitely changes when I smell the scent of liquid sunshine (you know, that scent they always have brewing when you walk by a Sage store). No but seriously, essentially oils have the potential to assist with depression according to the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. So, get those diffusers brewing and the aroma sicks rolling!
Take vitamin D. Having a deficiency of vitamin D can be linked to depression. With the lack of sunshine in the wintertime, we need all the help we can get! From my personal experience, I’ve found this to be beneficial.
Stick to a schedule
Easier said than done, but keeping a regular sleep schedule will allow you to maintain a better mood. Obviously, that’s tough when you’re in university. Just do the best you can and be kind to yourself! My only tip — it’s important to catch up on sleep when you can, just make sure you’re awake for multiple hours of the day when it’s light out.
Eating a consistent, healthy diet. Again, tough when you’re in university sometimes. Just try to have something from each food group on your plate that works with your diet. Eat food that makes you feel good. If you feel good, your mind and body will too.
Journal
Writing down your thoughts continues to be a positive experience for many people. Releasing negative thoughts is so beneficial. By writing them down, you will be able to identify which areas in your life are causing you stress. From here you will be able to evaluate whether what you’re doing and who you’re surrounding yourself with is making you happy.
You’ve got this! You will make it through those cold months. Just remember to always set some time aside for yourself. I’m not sure who said it but I once saw a quote that said, “If you don’t give your mind a rest it will take one during a time that’s probably not going to be very convenient for you.” This is something that has stuck in my head since.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health here are a list of resources in the Ottawa area:
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region: 613-722-6914
Crisis Line 613.722.6914
Kids help phone 1-800-668-6868