A mix of bitter cold and intermittent snow storms makes Michigan quite miserable and dreary during these winter months. While we often say, “Well, we chose to be here,” when the weather is especially bad, that does not automatically help with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the winter blues.
(also known as seasonal depression) crops up in these seemingly endless winter months and is characterized by a depressive feeling that coincides with the change in seasons. Some of the include hopelessness, feeling extra tired, losing interest in activities that you enjoy and other symptoms often found in general depression. The happen “every now and then during the colder months … but you’re still able to function,” according to UC Davis Health.
The biggest difference between these two seasonal feelings is that SAD can interfere with everyday living for an , including your thoughts and feelings. While many of us feel a sense of gloominess, there are ways we can help ourselves feel better and more hopeful during the foreboding months. Here are some tips to help yourself stay in a good mindset throughout winter.
Socialization
While the outside looks dreary, that doesn’t mean the inside has to be! ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University is well-versed on what to do when there's snow outside. The Office of Student Involvement, Leadership & Activities often has fun pop-ups. Whether it be a craft or a fun snack, they try to ensure students have time to get out of their dorms and have a little fun.
While the months of the spring semester are often jam-packed with schoolwork, campus clubs still have activities for all of us to enjoy. Make sure to check out ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ Engage for upcoming events. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to cultivate connection and even when the weather outside isn’t the weather to be out there for long. Go out with your friends! Have a hot chocolate party with your friends in the dorm! Have a movie night! There are endless activities you can do with your friends that are both cozy and fun.
Brighten Up Your Room
This could mean literally making your room brighter with some fairy lights or livening up your room with fun colors. While the blistering winter grays and white rage outside, you could have your favorite colors in your room! Even having some flowers every now and then to bring the promise of spring could help ease the winter blues. One thing that has helped me is painting—adding color to a seemingly lifeless canvas has been super therapeutic.
Hobbies
It may seem too simple, but doing things you love can infinitely improve your mood. Whether it be painting, writing, reading or playing video games, only you know what you love to do. It can bring peace and joy to you as you hunker down in your room. are a great escape to forget about how cold and snowy it is outside.
I have recently begun the planning process for junk journaling; plays with the idea of “found items,” such as scraps of paper, stickers found on clementines, event tickets and anything else you want to include! You can also make pages based on your favorite movie, the current month and lots of other things. Junk journaling is a way to let your creative side shine. I think it’s a fun little activity to take my mind away from school and the winter weather.
Go Somewhere Fun!
There are all sorts of indoor places around here that are fun to visit. Trader Joe's is one of my favorite and most simple places to hang out in. I could spend all day there. Something about the colors and vibe in there just makes me happy. And hey! They have flowers if you want to brighten your room a little. Thrift stores are another favorite of mine. I love getting lost in aisles that have little trinkets with my friends. Go someplace that makes you feel safe and happy. Changing scenery from your dorm room can help give extra happiness in your life.
Light Therapy and Other Sensory Elements
is one of the best ways to fight seasonal depression. It helps mimic the intensity of the sun and helps wake you up a little more when the world seems so dark. The Andreasen Center for Wellness has red lights in its oasis area, which helps with both warmth and light therapy.
Also, as mentioned in last semester’s newspaper, I was involved in helping put together a sensory room for a class project. This sensory room is located in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. And guess what? We offer different light options, including a light therapy lamp! We have also included a sunset lamp as well as little fairy lights. The room provides a tent, blankets, sensory and fidget toys, soft rugs and some fake plants for a bit of greenery, and we are currently working on getting different seating options. If you feel the winter blues, maybe check out the sensory room!
While seasonal affective disorder cannot always be stopped entirely, there are ways in which we can help ourselves feel a little better about the wintery world. Make sure to take care of yourself and maybe try one of these tips out. Stay warm!
Note: It’s important to listen to your body. If you feel your winter blues or seasonal affective disorder may be a more serious problem, please consider contacting the Counseling and Testing Center or talking to another trusted professional.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.