Beating the blues: It's that time of year...

I don’t know about you, but this time of year is always difficult for me. It is hard to stay motivated when the excitement of the holidays is over. Plus, it’s dark and cold all the time, the days seem monotonous and there isn’t much to look forward to. 

Nevertheless, I am doing my best to fight this dreary part of the semester. Here are some tips and tricks that I have used to beat those winter blues and keep on keepin’ on! Hopefully they help you too. 

Plan something fun or different

Try to plan something fun each week to look forward to. Whether that is going out to eat one night, making your favorite coffee or going to a new place to study, choose something that gets you excited. It is amazing how having something small to look forward to can brighten your week!

Get outside whenever you can

This time of year it can be hard to spend time outside, mainly because it is just plain cold. However, whenever possible, try to spend some time outside, especially when it is sunny. Most people end up with a Vitamin D deficiency this time of year which can lead to a weakened immune system and seasonal depression. Catching some rays, even if it is cold, is a great way to boost your health and mood. Not to mention the benefits of fresh air!

Stick to a routine

Come up with a routine that works best for you and your schedule and try your best to stick to it. This can help you be more productive and organized and keep your stress levels down. It also adds some nice structure and consistency to your days. 

Get enough sleep

While it seems impossible sometimes, getting enough sleep is a huge part of beating the blues. Try to set a realistic goal for waking up and going to bed each night and stick to it. You will be amazed at how much it will help!

Find a hobby

Explore something new that you might like doing or take up an old one! Whether it is reading, knitting, rock climbing, chess, running, painting or puzzles, find something that you enjoy and set aside some time each week for it. 

Socialize

It is easy to hibernate in our dorm rooms this time of year. However, spending time with others is one of the best ways to stop the seasonal sadness from creeping in. Join a club, go to a Bible study, attend an event on campus or just spend some quality time with your friends. Fun, laughter and quality time with others can work wonders! 

By Hannah Olin