How Many More Weeks of Winter?

It is the middle of February and unfortunately Punxsutawney Phil tells us there will be several more weeks of winter. For some of us, winter makes us feel a little out-of-sorts, what is often referred to as “suffering from the winter blues.” Symptoms of the winter blues, and its more serious version Seasonal Affective Disorder, include apathy, fatigue, weight gain, boredom, difficulty concentrating, decline in general mood and decrease in interest in being social. Women tend to be slightly more likely to feel the effects of the winter blues.  

 

 

Tips to help combat the winter blues:

• Schedule regular exercise. Physical activity is even more important in winter months.
• Watch what you eat. Healthy diets, including the appropriate levels of fruits and vegetables, can help combat some winter blues symptoms. Particularly try to avoid overeating.
• Get enough sleep. Adults need an average of 5-8 hours per night. Try sticking to a set sleep schedule.
• Get outside, if possible. Participate in winter outdoor activities like ice skating, sledding or a hike. The combination of sunlight and social activity is helpful.

 

While experiencing some winter blues may be normal, it is also very important to be aware of when what you or one of your chapter sisters may be experiencing is not normal. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, interfere with daily life or result in thoughts of suicide, seek professional help as soon as possible. If at any time you are concerned about your own mental health or the mental health of a chapter sister, speak with student health services, your College Chapter Director, campus fraternity/sorority advisor or other trusted advisor on your campus. Your college/university has resources to help.

 

 

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195/DSECTION=symptoms

http://medcom.uiowa.edu/health/new-coping-with-holiday-stress/

http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/studentlife/counselingcenter/infosheets/winterblues.html