Wellbeing

Looking After Yourself in the Chilly Season

Welcome back to Term 3! We hope you had a restful break and are ready for the new semester. As winter settles in, it's common to notice changes in how you feel. Shorter days, colder weather, and less sunlight can impact us not just physically, but emotionally too—a feeling often called the "winter blues". Some common winter-related mental health effects include:

Feeling more tired or low on energy
Less motivation to leave the house
Decreased interest in usual activities
Feeling isolated or lonely

However, there are several ways in which we can fight this and look after ourselves to embrace the joys that this chilly season can offer.

Get some daylight: Try to spend a little time outside each day, soak up the sun when you can, even if it's just a short walk between classes. If getting outside isn’t realistic, research shows some people find light therapy helpful.
Keep moving: It doesn't have to just mean formal exercise. Move your body in whatever way works for you. If you can, aim for some form of movement most days. Stretching, rugging up for a quick walk or even a few minutes dancing in the kitchen can help boost your mood and refresh your mind.
Stay connected: When we're feeling cold, it's easy to withdraw from others. Making efforts for regular social interactions can provide a much-needed boost to your emotional well-being and create lasting memories. Plan social activities such as movie nights, game evenings, or dinners with friends and family. If physical gatherings are not possible, a video chat or message can still help.
Look after your basics: Aim for regular sleep, nourishing meals, and staying hydrated. If winter leaves you feeling more drained than usual, it might help to gently shift your routine and slow down.
Be kind to yourself: It's okay if you're not feeling your best every day. Set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements. If your mood has been low for a couple of weeks or your usual ways of coping aren’t helping, it might be time to talk to someone.
Although taking care of your mental health is a year-round practice, winter might be a great opportunity for experimenting your creativity to build your self-care repertoire. Stay warm and stay well!

Haiyi Feng

Student Counsellor