Winter is coming. As the autumn days get shorter and the nights get colder, even the cheeriest of us can feel the blues. The winter blues can show up as various symptoms: lack of motivation, low energy levels or even a mild depression, especially up here in the north where daylight lasts only a few hours each day. Fortunately, Her Campus Helsinki has got your back! Read on to find out what you can do to shake off the winter blues.
1. Kiss the Sun
Did you know that the vitamin D produced on our skin by the sunlight can actually improve your mood? As the winter days get colder and darker than in any other season, a collegiette may feel trapped inside her own apartment. leading to a lack of sunlight which causes many people to feel depressed. So leave your shades home and sit near windows during classes. Also, you might benefit from changing your light bulbs to full spectrums bulbs, as they act like natural light during the darkest days, thus improving your mood.
2. Take it Easy!
Let me guess, your whole schedule is booked to the max with work, school, meetings, family, appointments – the list goes on and on. Try to spend a couple of minutes doing nothing each day! Listen to some summery music, cook nutritional yet yummy food, read a book or try meditation with yoga. Yoga and meditation can both help you to find your calm place where depression is not allowed to enter. Relaxing shouldn’t feel like a chore; try to enjoy the little moments with lots of hot beverages.
3. Work Out
Winter isn’t all about warm blankets and cuddling next to a fireplace; it’s also the perfect opportunity to ski, ice skate or simply to take long walks in the park in the beautiful Finnish winter. Remember, working out isn’t only good for your body, it does miracles to your mood too. The positive effects of exercising can last for several hours after you hit the showers.
4. Healthy Diet
The food you make has a big impact on your mood and energy. Replace refined and processed foods like white bread, sugar and rice with complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat, green veggies and yummy colorful fruits. Oh, and remember to get your daily 8 cups of water! Eating healthy provides nutrients, stable blood sugar and energy levels to both your body and mind. So next time you’re shopping for groceries, embrace the fruit section and make yourself a delicious tropical smoothie.
5. Catch some Zzzz’s
Collegiettes naturally tend to sleep a little bit more during the winter season. But we’ve all been there: sometimes sleep is the first thing to get crossed off our list when time management is of the essence and your schedule is fully crammed. Luckily, some self-discipline goes a long way: learn to say No! to extra work and ditch your smartphone before sleepy time and go chase the sheep over your bed instead! Remember, sleeping late on the weekends can actually harm you daily sleep cycle, so be systematical with your sleeping regiments. Oh, and a tip from Her Campus Helsinki: try short (10−30 minute) afternoon naps which will fill your energy bars for the rest of the day.
6. Treat Yourself
We here at Her Campus Helsinki know that winter can feel never-ending if one doesn’t have anything to look forward to. Therefore, having exciting plans in store can keep you motivated and improve your mood. Plan something that really lifts up your spirit: a day at the spa, a party with friends, or a spring trip abroad is sometimes all a collegiette needs to cheer up.
7. Socialize
The winter affects us all in some way, so the power of family, friends and co-workers can be a positive force during the dark days. Who do you have on your friend list? Try to keep a mental list of these special people in your life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or encouragement when you need it. Occasionally something as simple as a phone call, a chat over coffee or a warm-hearted email can really brighten up your mood.
8. Embrace the Season
It isn’t as crazy as it sounds; instead of continually avoiding the snow on your lawn – look for the best it has to offer! We recommend sports like ice skating or even sledding! When you’re having fun the time simple flies by, so enjoy the few months that winter has to offer.