Battling the Winter Blues

For many college students, the winter months are sometimes the hardest ones to get through. With spring weeks away and large amounts of work piling up, the beginning of the new semester often seems impossible. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs throughout the duration of winter. A combination of an earlier sunset and cold weather contributes to changes in a person’s behavior. These changes include increased sleepiness, weight gain, irritability, sadness, anxiety and inability to concentrate (all of which make college more difficult for students). 

Although SAD is a condition that inhibits a student’s ability to perform at their best, there are many ways to “beat the winter blues”. Though snow and freezing temperatures may make many students less inclined to leave their dorms, it is important that you do! On the days you think it sounds better just to stay in bed than to go to class, think again. Getting outside during sunlight hours can lift your mood and lessen the effects of SAD. If you don’t have class every day, meet a friend for a cup of coffee in the campus center, or try to go to a club meeting on the days you don’t. Just do your best to make it outside your room! 

If you are still looking for ways to get out and about, try going to the gym. Regular exercise during the winter season has also been proven to help keep the winter blues away by boosting endorphins in your body. Additionally, exercise is a great way to stay healthy during a time where comfort food sounds like music to your ears. Create a playlist with fun, energizing music you love, grab a magazine and a bottle of water and head over to the gym. Don’t have a gym? Download a yoga or dance podcast off of iTunes and try the moves out with some friends in your room or apartment. 

You may have a ton of work to do (I know I do) but it's important to not fall behind. Try to manage your time wisely that way you can enjoy other things throughout your day. The more activities you do that are strictly for pleasure (like reading a great book or playing a game) the happier you will feel. And remember if all else fails, it's perfectly fine to seek out a professional who can help you overcome seasonal depression. Many colleges have a counseling center on campus ready to help students deal with issues such as SAD. 

- By Stephanie Vacchio, Union College