Bill Watterson, cartoonist of Calvin and Hobbes, never spoke a truer word then when he wrote, “I like these cold, gray winter days. Days like these let you savor a bad mood.” Here in Syracuse where the skies are perpetually gray and that pesky snow just keeps coming, it’s easy to find yourself with a case of the winter blues. Don’t worry! Even when you think you have tried everything to cure your snow sadness there are new ways to fend of SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Here are ten unique things to help you survive the Syracuse winter.
1. A Happy Light: One of these lamps is sure to bring a little sunshine back into your life. A “happy light” produces white light, similar to sunlight and can transport your dark dorm room into the beach with the flip of a switch. Daily light therapy betters your mood, and Verilux, the producers of many Happy Light products, claims you can regain focus, concentration, as well as reduce your cravings and enhance exercise. A lamp costs as little as thirty dollars and can be found at a variety of online retailers.
2. Hand Warmers: Hand warmers are small disposable packets that when shaken and exposed to air warm up. Originally developed for hunting and skiing, these science wonders can last for up to ten hours and will turn your pockets into warm havens for your hands. Looking for hand warmers? Check out a popular outdoor store like REI or Eddie Bauer.
3. Music: When you start feeling the sadness creep up on you it’s time to turn off the Josh Groban and Adele (as much as I love them both!) and put on some happy beats. Artists like Matt & Kim and Mac Miller will pump you up and make you feel like you can take on the day. Then, if you’re like me and need a little bit more encouragement to go outside, put on songs like “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles or “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves.
4. Texting Gloves: Texting gloves have a special synthetic material on the fingers that allow you to use your smart phone and keep your fingers covered. A popular gift this holiday season, you may already own a pair of these innovative gloves. If not, they can be found everywhere from the boutiques on Marshall street to popular designers like Michael Kors. Once you own a pair instead of using them to check the snowcast or text ,pull up some pictures of the beach or put on some happy tunes.
5. Omega-3: The fatty acid Omega-3 is known to help better your mood. Studies have shown that in the frigid cold of Alaska Omega-3s from fish help to improve people’s mood during the winter months. While Syracuse isn’t quite like Alaska (we get more snow than they do), eating more fish or taking an Omega- 3 supplement will boost your mood and as a bonus give you healthier hair.
6. Warm Colors: Colors like red, orange, and yellow will brighten up your day and put you in a better mood. As much as I love black clothes, sometimes seeing all the black coats and sweaters around campus can bring me down. Next time you’re shopping pick up some clothes in bright, warm colors, and not only will they help to brighten your day but others who see you as well.
7. Exercise: During the winter all you want to do is crawl into bed with a nice warm blanket, not brave the cold to get to the gym! Exercise relieves stress and anxiety two things that can only pull you farther into a winter funk. If you can’t force yourself to make the trek to the gym, try DIY workouts in your room. My favorite things to do are eight-minute abs or the popular dance workout Zumba (only when my roommate’s not around because I cannot dance…). If you on a college students budget, check out youtube videos or other online resources for quick workout ideas.
8. Shoe Traction: You’re on your way to class, looking good, then bam your on your back, stuff sprawled everywhere just as that cute boy from your math class walks by. I am the first to admit that when it’s icy outside I fall down, a lot. Shoe traction is a little piece of plastic that stretches over the bottom of your shoes to make it feel like you are walking around on any dry surface. These plastic wonders allow you to run outside without fear of falling. Outdoor and athletic stores often have popular brands like YakTrax in stores or online.
9. Flowers: With all the leaves off of the trees and the ground covered in snow, it’s easy to forget what plants and flowers even look like. Remind yourself spring’s on its way by buying some fresh flowers. Can’t afford to spend money of fresh blooms? Try what I did and go to any craft story and make your perfect bouquet out of fake flowers. While lacking a smell, these flowers will look beautiful all winter.
10. Laughter: What do you call a snowman in the summer? A puddle.
Finally, laughter is the best medicine. There is a lot of evidence that proves a good laugh every once in a while can make you happier and healthier. Hang out with your friends and share the story about that time you slipped on the ice or check out funny sites like college humor or funny or die.