Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a well known enemy here in the Pacific Northwest. Seasonal changes cause the disorder, which include symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and trouble concentrating With a lack of sun and an abundance of cloudy days, the winter season is known to be particularly rough.
If you’re feeling down in the dumps this winter, try some of these methods to get combat those winter blues:
1. Exercise
It is proven that exercise helps with not only your physical health, but your mental health as well! (Mayo Clinic). Go for a bike ride in between study sessions, do some yoga in your room, or head over to Dixon Rec to help beat the SAD.
2. Light Therapy
These lamps trick your brain into thinking that you are sitting in the sun. They can make you feel happier and help beat those symptoms of SAD. On top of that, you can check out these lights on campus from the Valley Library and Counseling and Psychological Services.
3. Make Time For Friends
Hanging out with people can help lift our spirits. Even if it just means sitting in the same room as your friends while you study, being around the company of others can make a person feel better.
4. Head over to the Humane Society
If you like animals but don’t know anyone with a pet to cuddle, head over to the humane society to give cute animals some love. We have two humane societies here in Corvallis: Heartland Humane and SafeHaven. Although SafeHaven is farther away from campus, they have a larger facility and more adoptable pets. Heartland Humane, however, has an impressive cat hangout.
5. Get Outside!
Go down to Avery Park, Bald Hill, or even the Covered Bridge to get some fresh air. If you stay inside for too long during the rainy months, you might get a little stir-crazy. Get out and explore the town!