Seasonal Depression is REAL
graphic by lillian su
Winter is looming over campus as the skies darken and the rainy days outnumber the sunny ones. Remember when we are all complaining about the lack of air conditioning and constantly sweating back in August? Yeah, neither do we. While the first snowfall is exciting and fast approaching, the cold weather gets old quick and can actually lead to signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Although the cold weather often leads to physical illness, it’s also VERY important to maintain a good mental state during the seemingly endless winter. Here are some ways to brighten the upcoming dark weeks.
Light box therapy is a great way to perk up your whole day. According to Everyday Health, light boxes mimic sunshine and stimulate the body’s circadian rhythms. This means that after sitting in front of the light, your body is more awake and active. Researchers at the University of Michigan Depression Center claim that it’s best to sit in front of a light box for approximately 30 minutes in the morning to get the most positive effects. Next time you’re waking up early to “study” for that astronomy midterm, just sit in front of your light box to avoid having a complete mental breakdown because you still have no idea how the Earth rotates around the sun.
Another simple way to stay happy in the winter is to exercise. This one can be a hard one, we know. When it’s freezing and snowing outside, it’s so easy to just curl up in bed and watch Big Mouth for the millionth time. But, working out can help relieve stress and anxiety. Exercise releases dopamine and serotonin into the blood which are neurotransmitters that improve your mood. Being fit makes you physically feel healthy, which can in turn help you feel mentally healthy.
If you love scented candles (everybody does), then aromatherapy is right up your alley. Aromatherapy is a great way to bring warm feels to your dorm room or apartment all winter long. Everyday Health says that different oils and aromas can impact your mood and internal clock. A wax melter or outlet scents are another safe ways to add a cozy smell to your living space since some evil human decided that candles aren’t allowed in the residence halls because they’re a “fire hazard”.
Another harsh aspect of the cold weather is that the constant snow and darkness makes it very difficult to do anything productive. Make a schedule and a checklist to help you accomplish everything you want to for the week. Lists encourage people to get stuff done and feel driven towards a goal, and we all know how satisfying it is to physically write a checkmark next to completed tasks. Making goals and plans are key to getting through a cold, snowy day.
Lastly, but most importantly, keep hanging out with your friends! Even if they live across campus and there’s a blizzard outside, make the trek in the bitter cold to watch a movie or have a dorm party. The Healthy says that it is important to be with others during the winter months because being isolated only worsens your mood. If you’ve had a long stressful week, being with people you love will never fail to make you happy.
Although mental health should always be a priority, no matter what season it is, seasonal depression is no joke, especially here in Syracuse. Make sure you always have a reason to smile this winter :)