New England winters can be harsh, but they don’t have to be miserable. As someone who has spent the last 16 years shivering my way through the period of darkness from December into March, I have become somewhat of a professional at finding ways to keep away those winter blues, or at least make them a little more bearable.
December can feel cold, but still cheery because of all of the lights, decorations, and holidays celebrated, not to mention the two week long break from school. But after New Years, I often begin to feel overwhelmed by how early the sun sets and how many coats I must wear to stay warm. To help others with this gloomy season, I have compiled a list of tips and tricks that helped me this winter.
This feeling of being down during the winter months is actually one that is supported by science. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that happens in specific seasons of the year, most commonly fall or winter. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may set off a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression.” Winter is also known as a time where many find themselves isolated from their friends, and the biting cold makes people want to cozy up at home instead of braving the frigid weather to connect with others. But this isolation can lead to feelings of sadness. The Tulane University School of Public health and Tropical Medicine states “Social isolation has been linked to heightened risks of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline”.
Warm Up Your Heart
One of the best ways to keep away the winter blues is by creating a cozy space at home and sharing it with friends. Instead of isolating yourself during the cold months, invite friends over for a movie night with fluffy blankets, hot cocoa, and your favorite snacks. Board games, baking cookies together, or even just chatting while wrapped up in warm blankets can turn a dreary winter day into a warm and memorable one. Staying cozy doesn’t mean staying alone – sometimes, the best way to beat the cold is by surrounding yourself with people who make you feel warm inside.
Try New Hobbies
Winter has a tendency to feel like a never ending saga of cold gray days, but one of the best ways to keep your spirits up is to try something new. Picking up a new hobby-whether it’s painting, knitting, journaling, or even learning a new instrument-can give you something to look forward to during the colder months. I myself am trying to learn the concertina, which is basically a smaller version of an accordion. While I have made very little progress and very possibly angered my neighbors, I enjoy trying to figure out how to play the ABCs. On days where the wind seems to be trying to blow down my house, I find myself excited to pick up the concertina. Trying new activities not only keeps your mind engaged but also helps break the monotony of short days and long nights. Stepping out of your routine and challenging yourself with something fresh can turn winer from a season of boredom into a time of creativity and excitement.
Regulate Your Sleep
Earlier this month, Director of Counseling at Dana Hall School, Natalie Zervas sent out an email with some quick tips to help survive winter. One of those tips was to listen to your body and get enough sleep. With the sun setting so early, it can be hard to tell when is the right time to go to sleep. The increase in school work and the activities of winter cocurriculares can tire you out and sleeping the correct amount can help that fatigue. According to Harvard Medical School, “Poor or inadequate sleep can cause irritability and stress, while healthy sleep can enhance well-being.”. While not getting enough sleep can pose problems, over sleeping can also have some negative effects. Too much sleep can lead to you feeling behind and overwhelmed with your work, but also you miss out on time you could be spending with friends or doing an activity that brings you joy.
Have Adventures Outside
Even though winter can be cold and uninviting, getting outside, even just for a little while, can do wonders for your mood. A quick walk around the block, a few minutes of fresh air between classes or just standing outside to soak up some rays can help boost your energy and fight off the winter blues. A UCLA Health article says “Decades of studies have shown that natural light has a powerful, and often positive, effect not only on mental health, but also on physical health and general well-being.” Plus activities like sledding, ice skating, or just taking photos of the snow can make winter a bit more fun. It is easy to stay curled up inside, but stepping outside, even briefly, can make a big difference in how you feel.
Hope for Warmth
If all else fails, looking forward to the warmth of spring always helps me. Thinking of the fun I will have on March break, or the way the flowers blooming will look brings a smile to my face and helps scare away some of the winter gloom. Sometimes, when winter seems like it will never end, I search Pinterest for photos of tropical vacations and imagine resting on the warm sand. This mental vacation can help me feel a bit more optimistic.
As the frigid winter season comes to an end, the weeks between now and spring sunshine can feel literally eternal but trying out some new activities or hosting a movie night might make it a bit more enjoyable.