5 Ways to Stay Motivated During the Winter ❄️
By: Fifi
Season change can come with a lot of different emotions. With cold weather and less sunlight, the “winter blues” start kicking in. Feeling less like yourself during the wintertime is really common, and, with the need to still focus on school, it’s important to take care of yourself and find ways to keep your spirits high!
As an international student, I start feeling the effects of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and, luckily, I’ve learned some helpful ways to keep myself motivated. Here are some tips and tricks that keep me going.
SLEEP
I know that as college students, it can be hard to get 7 hours every night. Taking short 30-minute naps during the day can help with alertness and mood but there’s a delicate balance between getting the right amount of rest and oversleeping. Too little or too much sleep can both lead to grogginess, so make sure you’re setting alarms to keep you on track!
2. SCHEDULE
Making ‘To Do’ lists and planning out your week can take a lot of stress off your plate year ‘round but if you’re feeling down because of the season, scheduling gives you something to be in control of! It can feel tedious in the beginning but if you stick to updating your calendar/planner regularly, you allow yourself to focus on fewer things at a time, helping you feel less overwhelmed.
3. EXERCISE
For some people, This could be lifting weights, and for others, it may be doing yoga. If you don’t typically exercise, I recommend trying out different practices to find what fits you the best. Regardless, it is very important to keep your body moving for the release of endorphins and increase in blood flow, both of which help to elevate your mood!
4. KEEP YOUR BRAIN BUSY
It’s easy to fall into the habit of staying indoors doing nothing but it’s really important to keep your brain busy with socializing or solo activities. Winter markets, movies or game nights can be fun options to do with some friends. If you prefer being alone, take time out of your day to do a solo activity like a puzzle, building Lego or reading!
5. STAY WARM
A hot chocolate or coffee is a great winter treat but staying warm is really about what you wear! The key is TFW: Thermal, Fleece, Waterproof, the best layering order to stay warm and comfortable. Snow boots are also a good investment, especially if they’re roomy enough for extra fuzzy socks. And for cozy indoor days, you can’t go wrong with wool or fleece blankets!
New to our Dressed for Success Program?
Style meets sustainability with Dressed for Success – a program designed by students, for students, where you can find free, lightly worn clothes. Just come to our office and ask our CSRs for support and join us in reducing fashion waste, embracing circular fashion, and making conscious choices one outfit at a time. ♻️
April 22 marks Earth Day, a time when we take action to support our planet and adopt new green practices. Did you know that food can make a large difference to our environment? Check out Kaitlyn’s top 3 tips for eating sustainably while helping protect the planet. 🌍