By Jazmyne Carr
The winter season can be hard for a number of reasons: there is an increased risk of
developing depression, outfits tend to be for warmth rather than style, and the harsh weather can
leave skin extremely dry, just to name a few. In addition during winter people often spend more
time indoors which can lead to feelings of isolation and/or boredom. Although we are in our final
stretch of the season and global warming has us questioning if summer somehow started in
February, unfortunately it is still winter. Even on warmer winter days it can be extremely dry and
windy outside. Plus, the weather is extremely unpredictable, so we are likely to still get some
below freezing days. Keep reading to learn how to make the most of your last few official weeks
of winter with four fashion, beauty, and wellness tips.
- Update your skincare for the season. As a dry skin girlie I know firsthand how
dehydrated and lifeless skin can get during the winter season. To help prevent my skin
from drying out I like to “slug” my face at night. “Slugging” involves applying an
occlusive layer (such as Vaseline or Aquaphor) over your face after doing your normal
routine. On winter nights I wash my face with a gentle cleanser, apply my everyday
moisturizer, and then slather a layer of Vaseline on top. When I wake up the next
morning my skin is hydrated and basically glowing. However, if you have oily or acne
prone skin be cautious with slugging as it may clog your pores, try using a thicker
moisturizer or hydrating mask instead to get similar results. To prevent dry skin on my
body I like to apply a body oil after lotion for extra hydration. Lastly and most
importantly remember to apply sunscreen on your face every day. Even when you can’t
see or feel the sun it is releasing harmful rays that damage skin in the long run (and yes
this applies to people of darker and deeper skin tones too). https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRt7VSkG/ - Invest in cute winter accessories. I have been interested in fashion for as long as I can
remember. This meant that for many years I prioritized wearing a cute outfit over being
warm. However as I got older I realized how much I absolutely hate being cold especially
since coming to college and sometimes having to walk over 10 minutes to get to class.
But I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to choose. When most people think of a
winter jacket they think of a plain black puffer but in reality the options are endless.
Examples of fun outerwear from my closet include a fur cheetah print coat, a patent
leather winter jacket, and a pink rain jacket. Outerwear comes in so many different,
styles, patterns, and colors that fit any price point so you can stay warm while also
looking fashionable. For the days when it’s extra cold don’t be afraid to whip out other
winter accessories such as scarves, leg warmers, and gloves. Recently my favorite winter
accessory has been earmuffs because they add a cute touch to my outfit, keep my ears
warm, and do not mess up my hair like traditional winter hats do. - Take care of your mental health. The winter months can be extremely tough for those
who struggle with their mental health. Even those who have good mental health may
experience problems in the winter due to conditions like seasonal affective disorder, a
type of depression that only occurs during the winter. Using what I learned from being
raised in a family of therapists and experiencing my own struggles with mental health, I
have developed some tips that helped me and will hopefully help you avoid the winter
blues.
- Start working out. Most of us imagine spending our summers somewhere on a beach
with the perfect summer body. Well unfortunately those chiseled abs and biceps aren’t
just going to appear, they require hard work and consistency. If you start now your body
can completely transform by the time summer comes. However, working out does not
have to be about the physical results. Exercise has been shown to improve mental health
and to keep our body functioning better for longer. Also working out can be a major
stress reliever, something that I know many of us college students need. It is also
important to remember that working out does not have to be miserable. It’s better to find
an exercise that you like rather than forcing yourself to do something that you hate and
will give up after a week. If you are unsure how to start your workout journey, try
checking out fitness classes at Burdick that are free for students. Options include yoga,
cycling, core, strength, Zumba and more. Find more information at https://www.towson.edu/studentlife/activities/recreation/campusrec/fitness/groupexercise .htmlWinter does not have to be miserable. The season can give us more time to chill inside with
our loved ones, start new patterns and routines, and focus on bettering ourselves. Hopefully
my tips can help you thrive in the winter instead of just surviving. And for those that are
struggling remember that you are loved, you are enough, and that you only have a few more weeks left until winter is over!!!