Has daylight saving time thrown off your rhythm? Are you feeling a little gloomier now that the sun sets before dinner? You're not the only one.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to the changing seasons, often appearing as the days grow shorter and colder. Symptoms can include low energy, changes in sleep or appetite and a general sadness as winter sets in. For students, this time of year can be especially challenging due to academic demands ramping up for finals.
Fortunately, there are numerous creative outlets that can help fight the winter blues. Here are some ideas to help offset the gloom of winter.
Journal your thoughts
Putting your thoughts on paper can be a great way to wind down after a long day. Journaling can help with emotional processing while creating a stable daily routine.
One specific type of journaling that can help lift your mood is gratitude-based journaling.
Simply writing down three things each day that you're grateful for, or that made you smile, can help change the perspective on any day. In an article from “Harvard Health Publishing,” Maureen Salamon writes that gratitude has “positive health effects, including greater emotional and social well-being, better sleep quality, lower depression risks and favorable markers of cardiovascular health.”
Attend a comedy show
Sometimes, all we need is a good laugh.
Laughing helps stimulate your organs by enhancing your oxygen intake, helping your lungs and heart produce endorphins that will go to your brain. Those endorphins help cool down your stress response, reducing physical and mental systems.
Bloomington offers plenty of opportunities for a good laugh through its many comedy groups and venues. The Comedy Attic and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater frequently host professional comedians, while student-run troupes like Boy in the Bubble, Full Frontal Comedy and Backdoor Comedy bring laughter directly to IU’s campus.
If you’re looking for a laugh, Boy in the Bubble is performing a free sketch comedy show at 9 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Fine Arts Building.
Dance it out
Sometimes the best thing you can do is to dance it out. Much like laughter, dancing releases feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and endorphins. You don’t need fancy choreography, just move some furniture and your favorite beat.
If you’d rather not dance alone, try a group class, which is a great way to get out of the house and connect with others. The Student Recreational Sports Center even offers weekly dance fitness classes, which are free for students with their crimson card and the perfect way to add some movement and joy to your routine this winter.
Wear something that makes you feel good
I always feel better when I’m wearing something I really like. Choosing to wear clothes that you love can help set a positive intention for the rest of your day. The old saying “look good, feel good” rings true especially when the changing seasons start to get you down. No matter what your style is, being intentional with your clothing can be the perfect way to make a winter day feel less dull.
By sprucing up your winter outfits with playful accessories or finding unique ways to layer, you're staying warm and fashionable. Sometimes all it takes to boost your mood is a new style.
Take up a new hobby
Keeping your mind active can help you stay inspired all season long and picking up a new hobby is the perfect way to get those creative juices flowing.
Choosing something you’re genuinely interested in or have always wanted to try is a great start. Activities like painting, crocheting or learning a new instrument can help relieve stress and can leave you feeling more productive.
For those looking to try something new, the Monroe County Public Library offers free programs for all ages, from beginner to advanced levels, in a wide range of creative activities. You can also check Visit Bloomington for local art and music events happening throughout the community on a weekly basis.
Winter can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. With a few intentional choices, you can offset the blues that come with the season. Finding humor, staying active and exploring creative outlets are simple ways to keep your spirits high until spring.
