This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
With the holidays fast approaching, the romanticization of winter has begun. I am already looking forward to hot chocolate by the fireplace, waking up to the first flakes of snow, and watching a Hallmark movie on the couch with my mom.
But once the holidays are over, the excitement of New Year’s passes, and we all return to campus for the second semester. The winter dread will hit with full force. The Boston cold, along with sunsets at 4 p.m., creates a perfect situation for an inexplicable feeling of dread and despair.
Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), has been the topic of much discussion over the past decade, and, as it seems, many people relate to this feeling every year. People often equate SAD with a bad case of the winter blues; however, medical professionals from the American Medical Association have confirmed that this phenomenon is a real, diagnosable mental health disorder, potentially brought on by the isolation and lack of sunlight the winter months bring, among various other factors.
Whether you are struggling with SAD or a case of the winter blues, how can we cope with our mental health during this dark time of year?
Based on my personal experience, it is helpful to romanticize the winter months even when the holidays are over. As a society, we spend so much time looking forward to the next month, season, or holiday that we never stop and simply exist in the moment. If viewed through the right set of eyes, January, February, and March don’t have to be as miserable as people expect them to be.
I like to make a moodboard and a list of goals every month to help me be more present and stop clustering all the months together. It helps my brain live in the moment more, looking forward to the next month instead of looking forward to something six months away (i.e, summer). These lists and vision boards also make me realize how much I can accomplish in these months, rather than viewing them as a means to an end.
Additionally, it is integral to my mental health during these months to stay out of my dorm as much as possible. When the sun sets by 4 p.m., my body is convinced it is time for bed, leading me to ignore all my responsibilities and lie in bed for most of my afternoons. Preventing myself from spending unnecessary amounts of time in my room helps me maintain a routine and avoid oversleeping or becoming nocturnal.
I also try to maintain the structure and social calendar that I do during other months of the year. Like I noted earlier, winter months are perfect for isolation, and sometimes you will open your eyes and realize you haven’t gone anywhere besides your dorm or classes for the last week. Go to the movies, ice skating, out to dinner, or have a game night in your dorm. Despite the frigid temperatures of a Boston winter, it is essential to make sure you are not losing your connections during this hibernation period.
It’s hard to know how to prevent SAD or the winter blues because there is no how-to guide for everyone’s bodies. But by maintaining a certain amount of intention and purpose behind your actions, you will hopefully be able to take care of your mental health.
If you or anyone you know appears to be struggling with symptoms of SAD, consider speaking with your healthcare provider.
Find what works best for you and your mental health this winter!
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