How to manage the gloom of an early winter

Winter in Minnesota has struck early this year, the barrage of snow on Oct. 20 reportedly being the largest early snow storm ever recorded in the state, according to a CBS Minnesota article. Fall has seemingly blown away, ushering in gloomy gray skies and frigid temperatures.

Unfortunately, the start of winter weather also signals a downturn in mood and motivation for many people, especially overworked college students. With the disappearance of the sun and more time spent inside, it can be all too easy to slip into a negative mindset. This article will list a few ways to deal with the onset of depression or the loss of motivation during the approaching winter months.

Get out of your space

Whether you live alone in a tiny dorm room or in an apartment with multiple roommates, it’s important to get outside of your space for a while. Bundle up, grab your mask, and take a walk down to Dew Drop pond to visit the ducks, who seemingly stick around all year. Caribou is also just down the street and can be counted on for a cup of something warm to fight the chilly weather. Wherever you decide to go, make sure you don’t stay cooped up inside for days at a time. Many of us are taking classes and attending meetings online, maybe even working remotely, and life can begin to feel like a monotonous string of days that are indistinguishable from each other. Step outside for a bit and clear your head before tackling your next assignment.

Taking the time to write down your thoughts can help alleviate negative feelings

Journal

Journaling can be a great way to get out of your head and write down your thoughts. Maybe something has been weighing on your mind and you just need to vent. You can also start a habit of writing down positive things every day, like a joke you heard or a compliment you received. Releasing the negative and noticing the positive can be another way to clear your mind and stop dwelling on heavy thoughts, especially as positive moments can be harder to see during the gloom of winter. If you are not a fan of journaling, another alternative could be to decorate a jar to fill with those positive moments, adding one each day until you can look back on fond memories when you’re feeling down. Here is a link to some cute, aesthetically pleasing ideas for a positivity or happiness jar. 

Create habits to look forward to

My roommate and I started a tradition of watching the MTV show Teen Wolf each night at the end of the day to relax and rewind. I wasn’t expecting this small habit to become such a big deal to me, but it is easily the best part of my day, as my roommate and I enjoy poking fun at the overly dramatic episodes and laughing together. Small as it is, this daily practice helps keep me motivated; a positive ending to a long day. Find some equally small but exciting practice to look forward to in your own life: a show or book you consume a little bit of each day, a craft you work on over time, or something else that applies to your interests, but allows you to put aside school and other responsibilities for a time and let your brain relax. 

Reach out

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to reach out when you feel overwhelmed. School is stressful enough as it is without adding a global pandemic and snowy winter into the mix. Talking, even just to a friend or roommate, can alleviate stress or sadness, and the St. Kate’s Counseling Center is always available to meet with students as well. While all services are remote this semester due to COVID-19, students can book a remote session that will take place over call or a secure video platform. Sessions typically last 45 minutes, with a focus on stress management and mental well-being. If you are interested in scheduling a session or simply want more information on what services the Counseling Center offers, please visit this link.

It is important to pay attention to your mental health as a busy college student, especially during times of immense stress. This year in particular has been full of stress, from social upheaval to a spreading virus, so as winter descends upon us with a vengeance, check in with yourself and others.