I blinked, and it seemed the season of sweating everywhere I walked and constant sunshine was over. Before I could blink again, we were already on the precipice of winter, with fall almost behind us. It feels like yesterday I was walking to class and stepped on that first crunchy leaf of the season, all while a crisp breeze told me I needed a jacket. Now, I step outside and pray I can feel my nose whenever I get to class.
At home, I’ve usually never minded the winter. I’d come back from a long day at school, and my mom would have a batch of soup on the stove to warm me up. But it’s a hard transition from being able to walk outside on a sunny day with Appalachian beauty all around you to being stuck inside, barely wanting to walk to class or to the dining hall.
The Mayo Clinic says seasonal affective disorder starts in the fall and continues into the winter months, sapping our energy and making us moody. We have all either felt this before or seen it happen. We don’t want to go outside, we feel like we are trapped, and the moodiness begins. But we can fight it away, keep the moods at bay and maintain our energy without oodles of caffeine. It just takes a few tips and tricks.
Tip 1: The nice, bright Leyburn lights
If you aren’t getting outside because you’re scared your fingers are going to be numb by the time you get back to a heater, you’re in luck. In Leyburn Library, there are sunlight-replicator lamps that will supply vitamin D just like the sun would. If you feel down or have not been outside enough, go down to the library to study and soak up the (fake) sun. No Barbour coat required.
Tip 2: Exercise, exercise, exercise!
It’s no secret that keeping our bodies healthy keeps us happy. A University of Michigan study found that just 150 minutes of exercise a week will make us 52% happier than those who do not exercise at all. I know we all have two and a half hours of scrolling or laying around we could easily trade for a workout. Grab a friend and go work out and get moving. Go play basketball, squash, racquetball or any other sport that will keep you out of the cold. If you are strong enough, go for a run outside – but stay safe.
Tip 3: Stay social
It might be harder to find things to do with your friends now that the weather is colder and gloomier. Going for walks is tough, hiking is even harder and lots of things just aren’t accessible. Luckily, our town provides so many ways to stay social. Go to the movies, grab some popcorn and watch that new movie you’ve been dying to see. Head to Golden Garden or Napa Thai or any of your favorite restaurants and enjoy some laughs and good food with your friends. Try a new club on campus and meet some great people. Being social is such an important piece to our happiness, especially when it might be under siege by the colder months.
Tip 4: Talk to someone
It is scary to think about feeling the blues during this time. If it happens to you, just know it is okay and that there are ways to avoid it and ease the symptoms. The most important thing you can do is tell someone how you are feeling. I promise, you are not alone, and there are so many people that are here to help you. Talking to your friends about how you are feeling can make you feel better. Talk to someone you trust from back home. Feeling that connection over the phone can be special. And talk with the counselors at the Lindley Health Center. We have so many trained professionals on campus to help us through these tough times. Use them.
Seasonal depression is a scary thing that can happen to anyone, but good friends and good habits can help fight it away. Stay happy, stay warm and stay healthy this winter.
