Winter Wellness
When taking a survey of different students' favorite seasons, the majority will most likely answer with the same seemingly apparent answers, 'summer' or 'fall'. Some even include spring. However, very few individuals will give this awarding title of "favorite season" to the colder winter season. As a college student, specifically in a colder climate, the winter months seem to last an eternity and can sometimes be onerous.
With the colder weather comes more sickness, less time outside, and inevitably more stress. Introducing healthy habits to maintain well-being can look different to every person. Taking care of yourself can consist of staying active, trying new things, and incorporating mindfulness and self-care into your daily routine. As we trek through the low temperatures and snowy forecast, we as college students must prepare in the best way possible and learn to care for ourselves amidst wintertime.
It is easy to neglect our health and well-being within these colder months as college students overburdened with exams and holidays, now face cold weather walking from class to class. The biggest concept that college students lose grasp on is remaining consistent with healthy habits throughout the colder months. It is no surprise college students are more active during the warmer months when a walk outside consists of shorts and a t-shirt rather than a long parka or scarves and hats. This concept that physical activity has tremendous benefits on individual happiness and overall well-being is not a simple old wives’ tale. Physical exercise is a scientifically proven inducer of serotonin within the brain. Trying to accomplish a workout, walk, or exercise class a day can be incredibly beneficial to one's overall happiness and stress levels.
During the colder months, it may be harder to stay motivated and consistent regarding our own health, however, one trick I have acquired to stay consistent is free workout classes. At most college recreational centers, typically available to all students, are free and accessible workout classes. Some of these classes can range from cycle classes to cardio dance.
While healthy habits are critical to incorporate within your routine, something as simple as a mentality change can drastically improve already instilled habits and routines. Something my father taught me that I carry throughout my daily routine is that you cannot control what happens, but you can control your attitude. Each day of these long winter months, it may seem impossible to remain positive when you must walk twenty minutes to your 8 am class in twenty-degree weather. However, with mindfulness one can approach their day with positivity, inducing an overall better day-to-day.
Another trick I have found that induces overall positivity and personal well-being, while making the winter feel shorter, is planning an event or activity that I can look forward to throughout my week or month. This system of ensuring there is always something to look forward to makes the cold winter months seem to move on a little more quickly. As the spring semester moves along, students look forward to spring break where we have planned trips and vacations, a well-deserved break easy to anticipate. However, these events or activities do not have to be anything grand or costly. One can plan to cook dinner with their friends or perhaps see a new movie on its release date.
Winter can be an extremely challenging time for many, especially for college students with heavily filled schedules and stress. Taking care of yourself is so important year-round but it can look different in the winter months when we as students aren't able to be outside, stay active, or employ self-care routines and activities. Establishing healthy habits such as remaining active indoors, utilizing campus resources and classes, practicing mindfulness and positivity, and planning and prioritizing self-care is essential to thrive throughout the cold weather. By incorporating these tips, whether it be one or all, one can navigate the hardships that may come along with wintertime.
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