Only vaguely remember what sunlight feels like? Losing the battle with your snooze-bar each morning? Consuming carbs at an alarming rate, followed by bear-like slumber? You are not alone, for February has its way with us all.

The winter blahs can range from just feeling a little blue to more extreme feelings of depression like SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). The latter can be quite serious and students should not hesitate to speak to a guidance counselor or mental health professional available through their school if they find themselves experiencing ongoing feelings of depression. SAD is often treatable with light therapy, but as the Mood Disorders Society of Canada mentions on their informative website, it is important not to self-diagnose, and to consult a doctor before starting light therapy.

For those for whom the problem is not as serious as SAD, but just a “blah” or malaise feeling, often a change of routine or planning something special can be enough to lift the winter blues.

Some suggestions for students looking to get through February on a budget - with a smile rather than a freshly pressed snarl:

1. Exercise. While every cell in your body may be trying to convince you to get in bed and stay there until May, following this instinct will only increase the “blahs”. If you can afford a membership, hit the gym. If not, your local YMCA can give you a great rate on a membership, and most schools offer after-school sporting and fitness opportunities. How about a little floor hockey with your friends? Exercise has proven in study after study to improve mood and outlook and get your brain pumping endorphins and other “feel-good” chemicals through your system. Heal thyself.
2. Have a party. Most students don’t need an excuse for a party, but why not have some friends over for a tropical or summer-themed evening? You can go all out and wear shorts and summer dresses and drink punch from pineapples, or take a more laid back approach, and watch some summer themed movies and enjoy some fruit cocktail. A soundtrack of The Ventures, Bob Marley, or other summery music can also help trick you, if only for a few hours, to believing it is mid-July.
3. Bliss out. "Don’t just do something, sit there!" This phrase was uttered by a Buddhist Monk describing the benefits of meditation. There are many types of meditation you can learn or practice, including everything from yoga, to laughter meditation, to transcendental. Even for a skeptic, the opportunity to clear your mind and “just breathe” for a while can’t hurt. Just don’t meditate over an open carton of Ben and Jerry’s.
4. Give back. "Poor me!" says your brain, as your equally crabby feet trudge through the snow and slush. Sometimes the best way to cure feelings of “blah” and self-pity are to help someone else. Is there a food bank or homeless shelter that could use a hand during one of the most unforgiving months of the year? Maybe a local old-folks home would love a young visitor to chat with, or some sick kids would love someone older to read to them. In addition to doing something kind for someone else, you will enjoy the added benefit of the great feeling that service to others provides – beating your own blues by curing someone else’s – and volunteering looks great on a resume or university application.

If nothing else works, there is always the tried and true method used by movie prisoners - crossing the days off in your calendar. Remind yourself that, as the old saying goes, “This too shall pass” and spring will eventually arrive.

8

1

1 Comment(s) 

To post a comment or rating, you must LOGIN if you’re an existing Studentawards member OR SIGN UP if you’re new to this site.

jolucas wrote:	The entire first paragraph = so true. That is so me! This helped a lot, thanks for the good advice! Posted on Feb 10, 2012 at 05:24

 

« ‹ Page 1 of 1 › » Show 5 10 25 50 100 results per page Records 1 to 1 of 1