If you’re like me, I tend to be a little harsh on winter. The cold, the ice, the freezing wind…I’d much rather have any other weather. However, this year, I’m attempting to have a better attitude. So, in that vein, I’m going to list all the things I plan to do this winter break to stave off the blues and hopefully enjoy the colder months in Michigan, for your reading pleasure! Please keep in mind, this list is biased and I’m sure there are many things I may have missed. That being said, here are a few of my favorite things to do when the weather outside is frightful:
- Grab your sweats, a hot mug of coffee or cocoa, a blanket and a good book and enjoy those snowy views from the warmth of the glorious INdoors!
- Revisit the magic of your youth and build a snowman with friends or family! Not only will the act bring you joy, but others are sure to appreciate your work of art. I can’t help but smile every time I pass by a snowman (or snow WOMAN)! Another nod to your youth is to go sledding! This is a truly fun way to enjoy the snow in Michigan and get in a little workout.
- Make a to-do list of things you want to do- and actually do it! My winters are for organizing so that I can throw the spring cleaning list to the birds once the weather is a bit nicer! After you finish your list, give yourself a little pat on the back to celebrate your efficiency!
- Bundle up and take a hike. There are lots of fun trails to scope out in Washtenaw County that look truly magical in winter. Just make sure to dress appropriately, tell someone where you’re going and bring water and snacks!
If none of that sounds appealing to you or if you’re like me and feeling a bit like Eeyore this winter season… just know that you’re not alone in being a member of the cold weather doldrums club. Michigan is notoriously freezing, dark and gray this time of year, meaning some of you might be experiencing the Winter Blues. With the shorter days and lack of sunlight, Seasonal Affective Disorder, (SAD) creeps into the lives of many people and is more common the further away you live from the equator. If you’ve been feeling down lately, without a reason, you could be one of many suffering from the disruption of your circadian rhythm due to a lack of sunlight. Some symptoms of seasonal depression can include feeling sad or gloomy for no reason, increased appetite, especially for carbs, lethargy and general malaise. Being active helps, but if that’s not in the cards, try one of these options:
- Light Therapy, according to multiple research studies, has been a successful way to improve SAD conditions. Exposure to artificial sunlight from a light box for as little as 30 minutes a day has shown to help alleviate symptoms. The WCC Bailey Library has a Light Therapy Kit that you can check out for a week at a time to try!
- More recent research has found that cognitive behavioral therapy, (CBT), can also help alleviate symptoms of seasonal depression. Examples of this might be scheduling a coffee date or walk with a friend, connecting with family members over a meal, finding a way to volunteer in the community, or even just getting outside for an activity, all bundled up, of course! Basically try to connect with others around you in positive, active ways to try to get out of your funk.
- Check out the Library’s Mental Health Guide for more resources and please do reach out to a friend, family member or health professional if your symptoms include suicidal ideations.
Just remember…the winter doesn’t last forever and there are blue skies ahead! We hope you enjoy your winter break and come back refreshed and ready for a new semester!
Source: National Institute of Health. (2013, January). Beat the Winter Blues: Shedding Light on Seasonal Sadness.
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