Winter CAAARRRnival is coming (Feb 9-12) and is one way to embrace these long, cold days while celebrating the beauty of the winter season in the Upper Valley. Although this yearly festival is fun and exciting for many, the thought of celebrating anything winter-related might be quite off-putting for some. If you tend to fall in the latter category, or just feel like you have had enough of winter, read on for strategies to warm up the rest of your season:
Winter Got You Down?
Feeling sluggish? Irritable? Moody? If you answered “yes”, you’re not alone! The lack of sunlight can disrupt our daily body rhythms and make us feel those “winter blues”.
Try These 4 Ways to Put Some SPRING in Your Step!
- Soak up the SUN – Bundle up, and aim to spend at least 20 minutes outside every day. Natural sunlight helps regulate your sleep cycles and also elevates your “feel good hormones” leaving you feeling more rested & in a better mood! Start your journey with this 6-minute walking meditation for those times you are making your way across campus and looking to get a little mindfulness in your day.
Just too cold to get outside? Sit by a sunlamp for 15 minutes instead! Stop by the Student Wellness Center or the Undergraduate Dean’s Office to use one there or rent one from the Baker Library Circulation desk or the Counseling Center.
- Move It – As little as 10-minutes of exercise can help improve your mood & reduce feelings of anxiety. Try climbing the steps at Baker Library during a study break, do jumping jacks before your shower, take a brisk lunchtime walk (and soak that sun up while you are at it), or download an SWC evening yoga flow.
- Make Time to Chill (with others)– Whether it’s in person, or over video chat, connecting with friends & family is crucial for staving off the winter woes, not to mention boosting your immune system! If you are feeling isolated or disconnected from the world, making space for a Just Like Me practice can help remind you that you are not alone.
- Eat for Energy – Take a 3-minute Mindful Check In to help you be more present before you nourish your body & mind with whole grains, fruits, & veggies at most meals. Swap that soda for water or herbal teas & limit your alcohol consumption.
*It’s important not to confuse the winter blues with Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD). SAD symptoms are similar to “winter blues”, but are felt more intensely and will begin to interfere with your life. (Symptoms include tiredness, sadness, cravings for carbohydrates, decreased focus & concentration, lack of interest in usual activities.)
For support, you can schedule an appointment at The Counseling Center at http://www.dartmouth.edu/~chd/ or call 603-646-9442.
Here’s to a cozy and connected week,
LB