Beat the winter blues this dreary season

Jeff Wyngaarden 

SHEC Media
If there’s one word that best describes the weather this winter, it’s pathetic. Far from the bright, wintery cheer that typically characterizes the season (yes, even in Hamilton), we’ve landed in the middle of a halfway-to-spring period of damp, dull and dreary. Not quite frigid and frosty, but not yet warm and cheery, the pre-spring damp is matched with short days, chilly nights, muddy paths and slush-covered roads.

At this time of year, the weather can have a major effect on your mood. Sun deprivation and general chills can contribute to sickness and low energy. The lack of local produce can lead to a change in diet (often for the worse), and the cold weather is a major deterrent for those who choose to exercise outdoors. As we head into the last half of winter, it’s important to look after your physical, mental and emotional health. Here are a few tips for beating the winter blahs.

1. Hit the gym. If running in freezing rain isn’t your thing, consider getting a membership at the David Braley Athletic Centre for a semester, or look into developing an exercise routine that you can do at home.

Alternatively, invest in a pair of running tights and a sweater so you can bundle up for an adventurous outdoor run or bike ride. Being active is just as important in the winter as in the summer, with the added bonus that it keeps you warm.

2. Catch some rays. Chances are you start class early and end class late, and with the weather the way it is, you’re not likely to grab much sun. Sunlight has been linked with vitamin D production and can alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Recent studies also suggest that a bit of sun can improve bone health and help prevent prostate cancer. If you can’t get enough sun during school, consider going on a vacation during Reading Week – you’ll not only benefit from the sun, but also from the relaxation.

3. Eat your greens. Fruits and vegetables tend to be more expensive at this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you should stop eating them. Getting enough greens can be tough on the wallet, but if it means skipping a latte or two to splurge on bell peppers and broccoli, it will be money well spent. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals; many contain antioxidants and immune system boosters, and the added fibre is great for the gastrointestinal tract. Besides all that, produce takes more energy to digest and can help you lose weight by increasing your basal metabolic rate.

4. Get on schedule. The human body has a hard time dealing with decreased sunlight, and winter can play tricks on your circadian rhythm. Establishing a regular sleep schedule can help with your concentration, emotional stability, memory and immune response. Getting enough sleep means more than just logging hours, though; you reap more of these benefits if you establish a regular sleep schedule. And as much as napping in class can have its drawbacks (especially when you’re in the front row), studies show that napping during the day can decrease stress, elevate your mood and lower your risk of heart disease.

5. Bundle up. Being cold for a few minutes is tolerable. Being cold for a few hours is miserable. When you’re studying or watching TV it may be hard to regulate the atmospheric temperature, and while it’s tempting to crank the thermostat, a blanket or sweater is cosier and easier on the wallet. Keeping warm can help you avoid mild depression and decreases your risk of heart disease and pneumonia.

6. Get shot. A flu shot can leave you feeling ill, but the benefits tend to outweigh the drawbacks. Getting vaccinated can help you avoid symptoms like coughing, headaches and sore throats, and immunizations against more dangerous strains of the flu like H1N1 can help prevent the spread of outbreaks. Being immune can also protect those around you, especially at-risk demographics like small children and the elderly.

Do yourself a favour – as we head into midterm season and prepare for the end of the year, keep on top of your health. For more information on how to stay healthy, feel free to check out SHEC (MUSC 202) or the Student Wellness Centre (MUSC B101/106).