How to Beat the Winter Blues
Post-holiday winter has a well-earned reputation as the literal worst time of year… and this isn’t to say we disagree with that stance. Unless you’re an avid skier or an untapped resource of fiery sunshine, there’s a pretty high chance that this time of year is not your cup of tea. Over 3 million Americans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka SAD) each year, and we’re willing to bet that plenty more feel less like themselves than usual. Rather than commiserating in our shared winter blues though, we’re encouraging our Chatham community to find new paths to joy, fun, and health. Join us as we count down some of our favorite strategies to beat the winter blues—
Look for the light
It’s a notoriously dark time of year, so find the sunshine where you can. If it’s a sunny day, take advantage: get outside and take a walk to Walnut Street. Consider getting a light therapy lamp in your dorm room to mimic sunlight or taking a Vitamin D supplement as a substitute.
And find a way to embrace the cold—go sledding down Chapel Hill or build a snowman on the quad. The holidays may be over but you can still enjoy our one-of-a-kind winter wonderland.
Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel
Some days, no matter how hard you try to run, self-soothe, or smile through it, nothing makes you feel better. That’s okay. On the days when nothing seems to be going your way, accept your feelings about it, even if they’re negative. Sometimes the easiest way to get past something is to lean into the experience. So if you’re feeling sad, burnt out, or disappointed, try accepting those feelings and letting them exist. Often all a feeling needs to dissipate is acknowledgment.
Treat yourself
One delicious winter treat is golden milk, a heartwarming drink complete with cinnamon, honey, turmeric, and vanilla. It’s soothing before bed and the turmeric boosts the fragile winter immune system. Seek out what soothes your soul and feed yourself. And if you’re not in the mood to make your own treats, you can always rely on our Cafe Rachel baristas to whip up a warm drink.
Exercise for the endorphins
If you already have a set exercise routine, keep at it. If not, consider looking at exercise from a different angle entirely. Look for fun classes that feel less like boot camps and more like opportunities to forget the rest of the world—try a yoga class in the Athletic Fitness Center or a beginner dance class at Millennium Dance Complex. The more chances you give yourself to feel something other than dread for the weather, the more your body will reach for that instead. We recommend getting a wellness credit in the winter if you can—extra exercise incentive!
Find what you love and let it sustain you through 20° weather
Books? Movies? Music? Poems? Ice Hockey? Dancing? Socializing? Consider the things that make you happy all year round and ramp them up in the winter months. Return to your favorite movies, books, and songs and let them do some extra work for you this season.
Eat strategically
Now more than ever, eating healthy is important to support your immune system. Choose fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C, like sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and citrus fruits, which can help support immune health and energy levels. Up your zinc intake with spinach or supplements and do the same with iron—red meat, leafy vegetables, and lentils are all good sources. Check out our dining hall menus in advance to plan your meals.
Let us help
Chatham has a number of community events this winter that are specifically focused on helping you take care of yourself. Check out the Chatham events page for stress workshops, therapy dog visits, the Self-Love series, and more.
Counseling Services is available Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm to provide support to any student who needs itt. For more information, visit our website.
