How to get through the winter months
Keeping joy in an often dreary time
Photo courtesy of MART PRODUCTION/Pexels
The semester is nearing its end, and we may find that assignments are piling up more than ever, and with them, our stress is reaching new heights; at the same time, we are experiencing earlier sunsets and drearier days, and the weather brings frigid winds and gray skies. We might even have to contend with a cold—I know many of us have fallen victim to a pervasive winter illness running rampant in our classrooms and residence halls.
Here at The Lamron, we have been discussing ways to maintain our happiness during these difficult times. We have compiled some tips and tricks we have found useful in past winter seasons, which may prove to be essential in the months ahead.
First, we would like to emphasize taking care of your physical health, even when that might seem difficult. It can be so tempting to rot in your bed and let the lethargy of the season consume you; instead, getting out and about can be the best thing for you to do to stay happy and productive. Clean your room, take a shower, and make sure to take care of your physical needs as well. Eating three meals a day and staying hydrated can have a huge positive impact, not only on how you feel physically, but also on your mental wellbeing. Additionally, some members of The Lamron have noted that practicing yoga in the mornings—or even just doing a five-minute stretch—can start your day off right.
Your mental health, and doing things that make you happy, will become increasingly important in the months ahead. It can be beneficial to take a break from your busy schedule to treat yourself, in whatever form that may be. One member of The Lamron noted that they enjoy watching their favorite trash reality television shows or comfort movies, notably the Harry Potter (2001-2011) series. Another commented that indulging in your favorite hobbies can be a good way to find joy in little moments, like buying yourself a LEGO set to assemble on a dreary day.
Finding things to enjoy about the winter season can be essential; getting into cozy pajamas, making some hot chocolate, and getting together with friends to watch a silly Hallmark movie might be just what you need to get you through the week. One student noted that “romanticizing winter” can be a positive way to make the whole season more enjoyable, stating, “Build a snowman, watch cheesy Christmas movies, bundle up in a fuzzy scarf and mittens on your way to class, bake cookies, go ice skating, etc!” They added that Geneseo can be a particularly great location to do so, with spots around campus and on Main Street providing beautiful winter scenes to add to your joy.
One piece of advice The Lamron would like to emphasize is that you should avoid isolating yourself in the coming months. It can be easy to hole up in your dorm and let the days pass you by, but reaching out to friends and scheduling time to spend time with each other can bring joy to otherwise gloomy days. It does not even need to be an organized activity—even just gathering together to study can help improve your wellbeing.
Remember that you are not alone even if you begin to feel increasingly detached or unmotivated as the semester comes to an end; we are all facing the incoming semester slump. Make sure to take time to take care of yourself, even if that means less time is dedicated to other commitments; your health always comes first. Reach out to your friends or family for support, and do not be afraid to take advantage of campus resources.