4. Redesign your space | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

10 Little Ways To Fight Seasonal Depression That Will Warm You Up Inside

Don't let the bitter cold keep you down.

147
https://picjumbo.com/wp-content/uploads/woman-standing-in-the-middle-of-the-park-in-snowy-weather_free_stock_photos_picjumbo_DSC02626-2210x1474.jpg
https://picjumbo.com/wp-content/uploads/woman-standing-in-the-middle-of-the-park-in-snowy-weather_free_stock_photos_picjumbo_DSC02626-2210x1474.jpg

In This Article:

As the weather gets colder it's easy to fall into an emotional rut. Here's 10 ways to help fight those winter blues.

1. Try your best to stay warm

Giphy

Personally, I get very crabby and irritable when I'm too cold. Try putting on that oversized sweater, a pair of fuzzy socks, and bundle up in your favorite blanket. Crank the heat if you can, if not, layer up! A warm you is a happier you!

2. Don't stay in bed all day

Giphy

It can be incredibly tempting to stay curled up in bed all day, especially if you have a snow day (or a cold day thanks to the polar vortex hitting the Midwest right now). Sleep in by all means, but get up, make that bed and get dressed! You'll feel a lot better in the long run, even if that bed is calling your name.

3. Cross things off your "to-do" list

Giphy

This is perfect if you have a snow day. Take advantage of your free time by doing those pesky little tasks you've been meaning to get around to. Personally, mine are always organizing my desk, doing laundry, or cleaning out my email inbox. Make a little list and check it off as you go.

4. Redesign your space

Giphy

One of my favorite winter activities is redesigning my space. Whether that means moving furniture, hanging up new pictures, or even lighting a scented candle, I love refreshing my room by making some changes. Add some new throw pillows to your bed, hang up some lights, or move your desk. Whatever the case may be, a switch up might be exactly what you need.

5. Get as much sunshine as possible!

Giphy

If it isn't too cold, try going for a short walk. If you'd rather not brave the chilly air, open your blinds and let as much sunshine flow in as possible. Staying in the dark isn't healthy and a few rays of sunshine might just make you feel a little better.

6. Start a new book

Giphy

I'm sure we all have books that we've been meaning to read but just haven't gotten around to doing. It's easy to blame our busy lifestyles, but winter is a great opportunity to crack open a great read. Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and start reading!

7. Don't let yourself be isolated

Giphy

Winter makes it easier to feel this need to "hibernate" and be alone, and that's something that can fuel the depression fire. So instead of staying alone, grab some friends and go to a coffee stop. A warm latte and some laughs with friends can really help make a dreary winter day into some fun memories. Otherwise, try going ice skating, catch a movie, or maybe bowling.

8. Pamper yourself

Giphy

One of my favorite ways to pamper myself in the winter is to take a long hot bath with lots of bubbles. Light a few candles, do a face mask, paint my nails and ta-da, I feel refreshed. Whatever "pampering" might mean for you, go do it! Use that new bath bomb, play with your makeup, or do your hair.

9. Try something new

Giphy

This can be as simple as finding a new cookie recipe on Pinterest or starting a bullet journal (one of my favorites). Invite a friend over and play a new card game or visit a new restaurant. Try learning to knit or make a DIY craft. Winter doesn't have to be a boring routine.

10. Donate your time

Giphy

It's common to see people working for the Salvation Army and soup kitchens during the holidays, but truth is, there are still lots of ways you can volunteer! Find places that are in need of a helping hand near you. Donating your time allows you to stay busy and brings a smile to another's face.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2017
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1258
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 20 Thoughts College Students Have During Finals

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

392
winter

Thanksgiving break is over and Christmas is just around the corner and that means, for most college students, one hellish thing — finals week. It's the one time of year in which the library becomes over populated and mental breakdowns are most frequent. There is no way to avoid it or a cure for the pain that it brings. All we can do is hunker down with our books, order some Dominos, and pray that it will all be over soon. Luckily, we are not alone in this suffering. To prove it, here are just a few of the many deranged thoughts that go through a college student's mind during finals week.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

28 Daily Thoughts of College Students

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1800
group of people sitting on bench near trees duting daytime

I know every college student has daily thoughts throughout their day. Whether you're walking on campus or attending class, we always have thoughts running a mile a minute through our heads. We may be wondering why we even showed up to class because we'd rather be sleeping, or when the professor announces that we have a test and you have an immediate panic attack.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments