With days getting shorter and assignments piling up, many students struggle to find ways to support themselves emotionally and physically during the colder months. The combination of daylight savings time and the dropping temperature can make it hard to continue on with the day past the early evening.
This decline in mental health is widespread, with App State’s Counseling and Psychological Services finding that nearly 25% of all college students across the United States suffer from the winter blues.
Luckily, in Raleigh, there is no shortage of fun winter activities to boost morale. Seasonal events such as outdoor ice skating at Red Hat Amphitheatre and the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival are great ways to connect and take a break from the stressors of work and school.
But you don’t always need to get outside to get out of your head — sometimes a cozy day inside is all you need to reset yourself after a busy week. Between spending time with loved ones, cooking a new recipe or watching a comfort movie, there are lots of great options for prioritizing mental health from the warmth of your apartment.
Jamaya Johnson, a fourth-year in psychology and the president of the Psychology Club, provided some guidance on beating the winter blues. She explained how she nourishes her mind and body with a combination of indoor and outdoor activities to keep herself on track.
“I definitely make more of an effort to get a lot of sun and I make sure that I’m eating good food,” Johnson said. “I also have two cats, which is a lifesaver.”
Student organizations such as the Psychology Club also host wellness events during the colder months to help reduce the impending stress of finals.
“We understand that people have a lot of tests, so our winter meetings are less focused on information and a lot more focused on just doing things that are creative,” Johnson said. “We draw, color and mingle with other people.”
Although getting outside, caring for a pet or doing something creative may help with the symptoms of winter blues, it’s also important to listen to your mind and body and not be afraid to reach out for help if needed. NC State has a plethora of mental health services that are available to the community, from the Counseling Center to specific workshops.
Christy Sigmon, the outreach and resilience specialist with NC State Prevention Services, expounded upon these resources and how Prevention Services can help students prioritize winter wellness.
“We will be having several community events to help engage students,” Sigmon said. “We have ‘Pause for Paws’ canine therapy and some other ‘De-Stress Fest’ events that will be happening. These events will really help students as they transition into the winter months.”
With the colder weather, it can be hard to find the motivation to get out of bed and move your body. But Sigmon explained how staying active and finding an enjoyable exercise routine can be another great way to combat the winter blues.
“I really enjoy getting out everyday and taking my dog on a walk. Getting to take winter hikes in Raleigh is also really nice,” Sigmon said.
Carmichael Gymnasium has a slew of great group fitness classes offered daily. From yoga to cardio dance to TRX classes, there is truly something for everyone. During a workout, a good playlist can also help boost your mood. Listening to your favorite song or a podcast is a great way to keep your morale high.
With the cold weather kicking in and the sun setting earlier in the day, we all need to take care of ourselves and connect with each other more than ever. This finals season, don’t be afraid to take breaks, care for yourself and spend quality time with those around you.
