Days become shorter and colder – many people experience a shift in their mood and energy levels. This is commonly known as winter blues and they can affect anyone. However, college students should be aware of this feeling as they might find it particularly challenging. Balancing studies, social life, and personal health can be overwhelming, especially if you are working on many tasks at once. Having problems and mood swings can only make it harder. That’s why we have prepared the following guide on how to help yourself during the winter months.

Get Moving

Staying active is one of the most effective ways to keep your mood up during the winter. Exercising helps you release endorphins which can improve your mood and help you feel energized. Even if you are not very into sports, you should make exercise a regular part of your winter routine:

1. Indoor workouts. When it’s too cold to be outside, you can try indoor exercises like yoga, Pilates, or bodyweight workouts. You don’t need much, as you can simply exercise in your dorm room.
2. Explore campus facilities. Many colleges provide facilities like gyms and sports classes. Check the schedule and try something new.
3. Outdoor activities. You can also take advantage of the fresh air by going for a walk, run, or hike. Being exposed to natural sunlight, even when it’s cloudy, is beneficial for your health and vitamin levels.

You can see there are different ways how you can be more active this winter.

Optimize Your Nutrition for Better Energy and Mood

A balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, and various nutrients, is the foundation of great mood and energy levels during winter months. As your body needs adjustments to diet when seasons change, you might try the following:

1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. You surely know that fruits and vegetables are very high in vitamins and antioxidants that help you reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. That’s why eating more oranges and other citrus fruits, root vegetables, and dark leafy greens is important.
2. Add Omega-3. Healthy fatty acids found in foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and nuts are known to support brain health and good energy levels. They also help with hair and nail growth, so it’s important to keep your omega-3 levels high.
3. Limit sugar and processed foods. Sweet drinks and snacks can be very tasty but damaging to your health. Opt for whole grains, nuts, and fruits instead of sugary food that causes spikes and crashes in blood sugar.

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Shorter days can mess up your sleep patterns, impacting your mood and cognitive function. Be sure to work on your sleep routine, as it is essential for mental health and overall well-being.

1. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body’s internal clock. Be sure to stick to the schedule during the weekend too.
2. Establish a relaxing nighttime routine. Implement calming activities like reading, stretching, or journaling to signal to your body that it’s time to go to bed.
3. Mind your caffeine and alcohol intake. Consuming too much alcohol or caffeine can damage your health and your sleep patterns. Drinking more than one cup of coffee daily can make falling asleep much harder.

Stay Connected with Friends and Family

Socializing can become a great mood booster during winter when loneliness and winter blues catch you.

1. Set regular meet-ups. Plan regular Zoom calls with your family or casual meetings at a coffee shop with your friends. Having these on your calendar will be a great thing to look forward to.
2. Engage in group activities. Activities like clubs and social events on your campus can be a nice way to make new friends and build a supportive network. If you like social connections, be sure to engage in such activities that your college might hold.
3. Reach out when you need support. Sometimes, you just need to ask for help, and it’s essential never to be ashamed of it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends, family members, counselors, or the essay writing team. This will help you fight the feeling of sadness and isolation as well as make college years easier.

Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Winter blues can be overwhelming and influence your everyday stress levels. Various practices can help you stay grounded and manage negative thoughts.

1. Try meditation. Meditation can help you calm down, improve focus, clear your mind, and reduce symptoms of anxiety. You can use meditation apps or YouTube tutorials to start meditating each day.
2. Journaling. Writing down your thoughts and feelings is a very powerful therapeutic practice. It helps you better understand your emotions and creates a buffer between you and your worries.
3. Focus on gratitude. Practice gratitude to increase happiness with what you have. It can be tempting to look at others and compare them to you. However, practicing gratitude for what you have and what you have achieved is a powerful tool.

Establish a Routine and Stick to It

If you want to fight the winter blues, you need to stick to routines. Setting a daily routine can create a sense of stability, purpose, and predictability.

1. Create a morning ritual. As we were talking about evening rituals, creating a morning one is also important. A morning ritual will set the right mood for the day and help you get through the chores.
2. Stick to schedule. Structure study hours and downtime to avoid burnout. Be sure to take breaks and set specific times for work and relaxation.
3. Set weekly goals. Small weekly goals will help you stay motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Final Thoughts

Winter blues are real, but you don’t need to be hard on yourself when they come. By adopting these healthy habits, you can make a difference and have a perfect winter by beating winter blues.