Battle of the blues: how to fend off the winter blahs

As the winter quarter begins it is important to start off right in order to work toward having a positive and rewarding experience. As the seasons change, the weather gets colder, and it gets dark earlier, you may find that you feel tired more often and have less energy. If you are not paying attention to these feelings they may negatively impact your school performance. If you plan ahead you can combat the winter’s effects on mood and energy. The first thing to remember is to get plenty of sunlight. Our internal clocks need sunlight to keep them regulated, and the more time you can get in the light the better. This can be achieved by sitting in a room with plenty of windows or going outside when the sun is out. Of course remember to have sunscreen because even in the winter you need to protect your skin from UV rays. In addition to getting plenty of light you also want to maintain a sleep schedule. Developing a routine so you can get up at the same time and get to bed at the same time can be helpful in providing you the time to get as much light as possible. Adequate sleep can also help ward off feelings of fatigue and sadness. Getting a good night’s sleep and having a sleep schedule will allow you to schedule time to exercise. Exercise is important to keeping positive and healthy this is especially true during the winter months. Getting daily exercise can help keep you energized and also has been shown to boost moods. Lastly, eat healthy meals and avoid overeating. When the body gets the right amount of nutrients from food it functions better, and a healthy body helps maintain a healthy mind. If you prepare now while the quarter is still early it will help you in the long run. In this instance it is especially true that an “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or disorder. Nor is it intended to replace a consultation with a mental health provider.