Feeling down as winter drags on isn’t uncommon, but it’s not where your mood has to stay! Taking care of your mental health during the winter months is key to maintaining your wellness. Luckily, Syracuse University is prepared and has plenty of wellness resources available to students. Read on for four ways you can #BeWell and crush the winter blues this season.
Stay Social and Engage With Others
Staying cooped up in your dorm room to be warm and cozy in bed may seem like a good idea when it’s bitterly cold outside, but it’s important to make the effort to get out and socialize. When the weather is cold and snowy, hanging out with friends in your dorm, apartment or house is a great idea! Simple activities like a game night or movie night with friends is a fun way to stay warm and connected.
Move Your Body
Nobody wants to brave the cold unless they have to, but keeping your blood flowing and your body in motion is important for both your mental and physical health. Head over to the Barnes Center at The Arch to attend a fitness class, check out the basketball court or utilize the gym equipment. Finding ways to move your body in comfortable indoor spaces is key to maximizing your wellness when it’s not safe to be outside for long periods of time.
Consider Counseling
In some cases, you could be experiencing more than just winter blues—seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real condition. As defined by John Hopkins Medicine, SAD is a form of depression caused by shorter days and decreased exposure to sunlight. Common signs and symptoms of SAD may include persistent low mood or sadness, loss of interest or motivation, changes in appetite (often craving carbs), change in sleep patterns (particularly oversleeping), low energy/fatigue and difficulty with concentration, focus or decision-making.
Being honest with yourself and knowing when you might be experiencing symptoms of SAD is important so you can get help.
Counseling visits at the Barnes Center are covered in full for students through the Health and Wellness Fee. You can schedule an appointment online through the Patient Portal or by calling 315.443.8000. You can also view all of the current Barnes Center therapists and read their bios on the Barnes Center’s website!
Whether you go once or make it part of your routine, counseling at the Barnes Center is a great resource for supporting your winter wellness.
Try Light Therapy
Light therapy is a form of treatment where you use a light therapy box/lamp or a sunset lamp to mimic sunlight in an effort to boost your mood and reduce fatigue, especially during the winter months where there is less natural sunlight. If you think this could be something that you’d find helpful, consider purchasing a light therapy lamp or a sunset lamp for your room. Additionally, the Crowley Family MindSpa has a light therapy box that is available for student use. You can make 30-minute appointments through the University’s Wellness Portal.
Staying well during the winter months may seem difficult, especially in a snowy, cold city like Syracuse, but keep in mind that if you’re feeling a bit blue, some of your peers are likely feeling the same way! Find ways to cope together, do fun things and make the most out of the winter months. Remember, you are never alone and there are always resources to support you here on campus. Be well, Syracuse!
Written By Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.