Seasonal depression kicks butt. Every year, when the sun starts setting earlier and the cold creeps in, I can feel the sadness taking over. Combined with post-holiday melancholy and the added stress of new classes, the winter blues tend to overwhelm me. But, they don’t have to. This is how I fight back—and you can, too!
Use low-lighting to stave off the darkness. I’m a proud big light-hater. I hate harsh lighting and love natural light, so I need something in between, especially in the winter months. Small lamps, like salt lamps and reading lamps, as well as fairy lights and Christmas lights, are the best way to achieve a soft, cozy lighting effect in my dorm room. Who cares if the holidays are over? Keep those lights up!
Embrace the weather. You may have noticed the winter storm that dumped almost two feet of snow on us. I’m more of a winter and fall person, but the freezing temperatures still get to me at times. However, I love watching the snowflurries fall, and the campus covered in a white blanket of snow is so beautiful. Take this opportunity to accessorize with cute winter gear: knitted mittens, colorful scarves, and fuzzy coats. The below-freezing temperatures outside mean snuggling up with a warm blanket inside!
Engage in cozy hobbies to keep you occupied. The urge to doomscroll on my phone in my downtime is strong. Instead of the instant dopamine rush I was looking for, I often feel worse after going on my phone. So, rather than picking up my phone, I pick up a book or my crochet hook and engage in my favorite hobbies. For you, it could be video games, listening to music or podcasts, doing crossword puzzles, or crafting. These hobbies are easy to do inside and keep you off your phone.
Make your favorite comfort foods and hot drinks. Nothing beats a cup of tea or hot chocolate after a long day of classes, work, and trekking through the frozen tundra that is campus. And the foods I like to fill my tummy with during the winter months are typically hot and hearty: stews and soups, pot pie, pastas, and one-pot meals. Don’t feel guilty about those baked goods either; they seem to spark a little bit of joy with every bite.
Create things to look forward to. It can seem like nothing’s going on during the winter. I know what it’s like to have nothing fun to look forward to in the near future. So, I plan and create things myself. Invite your friends out for a cup of coffee. Plan a movie night. Find a YouTuber to watch on your own. Look up when your favorite show is coming back or when a book or movie that seems interesting will be released. Put everything and anything on your calendar so that you have a visual reminder of what you can look forward to.
Lean on your friends and family. It’s more than likely that you are not the only person you know braving the winter blues. Reach out to the people you love and see how they’re doing. Talk to them about how you feel, and formulate a plan to get through the winter together. Human connection is key.
Allow yourself rest. It’s the winter months, and many animals are hibernating. You are allowed to rest, too. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night. Take naps. And don’t feel guilty about it. Listen to your body. When you’re exhausted, take a break—or your body will do it for you, and it might be at the most inopportune time. I know that most of us may not have time for breaks or adequate rest, but it’s worth it to try to find the time. You are only human, and you are not meant to be going full-steam ahead at all times.
Stay warm and stay safe. You’ve got this.
