Your Unofficial Guide to Saying Goodbye to the “Winter Blues”

If you’re like me, you may have thought it would stop being cold by now, but then you’re suddenly reminded how long it likes to stick around when you see your breath swirling in the frigid air as you walk on the frosted sidewalks to your morning class. But as spring rounds the corner, and the sun peeks out every once and a while to tease us, there’s hope for warm weather and blooming trees once again. With cold weather, comes a case of the winter blues. This unofficial guide is intended to help you to not get stuck in the “winter blues”, but redirect your frame of mind from “I just need this season to be over” to “How can I make the most of this season?” Well, I’m glad you asked.

Take time for yourself

Evaluate how you’re feeling in this season. Maybe you have an overwhelming amount of homework, or your job is taking up all your free time, or you’re just too tired to have a social life. As a student, a lot of your time goes toward your studies or work, but it’s just as important to set aside time to care for yourself, so you have the energy and motivation to put in the work to achieve your goals. It helps to integrate self-time into your week or day. Block out a regular, sacred time in the week where you do an activity you love or just relax. This gives your brain a break to give you something to look forward to amidst all the craziness.

Gather around community

Surround yourself with people who offset the lack of warmth in the air. Your hands may be cold, but your heart will be warm. If you’re feeling down, it helps to let people in rather than to be distant from others. According to the American Psychological Association, it has been proven that self-isolating leads to loneliness and a higher risk of health problems later in life. Stay connected to your friends and safe people, so you have people in your life motivating you. It’s never too late to get involved and meet new people who you share interests and hobbies with. Most importantly, be around people who make you laugh. Laughing and having fun with people makes this season less dull.

Try something new

If you find yourself getting bored easily, try your hand at a new hobby. Jumping into new experiences is exciting and invigorating. Go rollerblading, try rock climbing, take a fitness class, go bowling, pick up photography, visit a place you’ve never been, cook yourself or your friends a nice meal, or check out Boise State’s fun events. The options are endless. Who knows, you might discover your life passion by accident.

Start a passion project

No, this does not have to be a rigorous, stressful project with due dates and hair pulling. The idea is to be investing in something that interests you in your down time. What is something you’ve always wanted to start or create or try, but have never found the time for it? It could be a service project to give back to the community, or researching places you want to travel, or trying the recipes you’ve saved, but have never attempted. A lot of your focus might be on your schoolwork or future career, but you can take a step back and find something that gets you excited and inspired.

It can be easy to get stuck into a loop of melancholy monotony. Instead, remember the people, places, and passions that you love. Take steps to seek joy in the simple day to day. Nip the winter blues in the bud so excitement for spring has room to grow!