5 Ways to Stay Sane During the Winter Months
Each year it’s the same thing: the fall semester starts, you finally get in your routine, and then all of a sudden – Maine winter hits. It gets dark at 4pm, the temperatures plunge, and for many people, this brings on a general “blah” feeling. It can be tough to stay motivated – or even to stay positive.
In fact, there is strong evidence for why you may feel less like yourself during the change of the season. Experts on Seasonal Affective Disorder – commonly called seasonal depression – believe that sunlight plays a key role in production of certain bodily chemicals which actually lead to our overall happiness. Researchers found “shorter days and longer hours of darkness may cause decreased levels of serotonin”; a brain chemical linked to feelings of energy and happiness (Mayo Clinic).
Since we can’t change the snow that is bound to fall, the earlier setting of the sun, or the frigid temperatures, it’s important to be proactive about still finding ways to truly enjoy Maine winters. Here are 5 ideas to help fight off the winter blahs:
1. Plan a special “night” once a week: A girls night with your bff, a movie night, a date night with your significant other, a wine and snacks night with friends– whatever it is, make an effort to set aside one “night” per week, and make it a special routine. It gives you something to look forward to and also a chance to connect with people you love. Brainstorm with some friends or with your boyfriend/girlfriend to think of ideas of what you’d like to devote a certain evening to, and pick a night that works best for all of you.
2. Try a winter sport/activity: Winter time tends to mean we get a lot less fresh air. Finding a winter sport or activity you enjoy is a great way to get active and get some sunshine – even if you only do it once or twice a season. There’s many to choose from: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, sledding, ice skating. Maybe you already do a winter sport or maybe you’ve never tried one, but rounding up a group of friends and getting outside for a few hours is a great way to remind yourself that there are some up-sides to all the snow and cold. And yes, snow-man building contests also count as an outdoor activity…!
3. Get festive: The cold weather does mean one very awesome thing – the holiday season! Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Valentine’s Day are all wonderful excuses to decorate, spend time with loved ones, and eat lots of great food. Plan holiday parties, try new holiday recipes, window-shop, and pump up the holiday tunes!
4. Use the “indoor” time: If you have to be stuck inside more, use it to your advantage. Take the time to re-decorate or re-arrange your apartment or dorm room, have friends over to make dinner, or try those crafts on Pinterest you never got around to. Also, make an effort to get out of your apartment or dorm – study in the library instead of your bed, head over to the gym, eat lunch in the union or at one of the shops downtown; just mixing up your environment can boost your mood.
5. Shop for winter wardrobe essentials: Even though we dread winter, we love boots, sweaters, jackets, jeans, thick scarves, and all the other winter wardrobe essentials. Shopping (or at least window-shopping/day-dreaming through magazines) for your top winter “must-haves” will make you appreciate the chilly weather a little more.