By: Jessica Melnik
The long, cold, and gloomy days during the winter months can make you want to stay in bed and do absolutely nothing. You’re not alone. There are many healthy ways to cope with the winter blues.
Add more light into your home.
Setting a timer on lamps to turn on before you wake up starts the day off on a bright mood. Incorporating light during the dark winter evenings is clinically shown to be therapeutic.
Invest in a planner.
A college student’s work load and/or course load may increase during second semester. Write down due dates in an organizer or planner to stay motivated and on track. Schedule activities with those who make you happy such as family members or friends.
Exercising may change your mood in a positive way.
It can relax your mind and/or help you take your mind off of the stress or anxiety you may be feeling. If you prefer to exercise outside as you do in the warmer months, no problem: just bundle up!
Eat a healthy diet.
As hard as it may be during the long winter months, try to maintain a healthy diet. Fuel your body with a salad instead of potato chips and with an apple instead of a sugar loaded Starbucks coffee.
Decluttering your space.
Get rid of/donate your old or unused stuff during the winter season. Decluttering not only keeps things organized, but it gives you something to do for a couple of hours, or maybe even days. Cleaning may be your new stress reliever!
Change up your routine by varying your workout routine; trying a new fashion; taking a new route to school or home.
You’re not alone.
Despite all of your best efforts, if you find yourself falling behind in your work/studies, or your health is suffering physically or emotionally, seek out professional help:
Roosevelt University’s Counseling Center:
Current Students: Counseling Center | Resources For Health and Wellness
Learn about the Wellness Programming, Resources, Staff, take a brief mental health screening, training options and other services are located here.
Counseling Center Staff
The hours for the Schaumburg Campus and Chicago Campus counseling centers are included here. You will also find the Counseling Center’s staff information and contact information.
Suicide Prevention link:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)
Provided here is the suicide hotline phone number which is through a national network of local crisis centers. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential and free emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.