How to Escape Your Winter Slump

Five simple ways to make this winter more bearable.

Sophia Meyer, Reporter

The most-asked question during winter is “When will this season finally end?” There’s barely any snow on the ground, it’s unbearably cold outside, and the only color we seem to see is gray. It’s easy to let the dull and seemingly eternal winter weather damper our moods – and work ethic – but it doesn’t have to. If you make an effort to stay afloat amidst the stress that winter drowns us in, it’s possible to escape the winter slump that we’ve all come to know so dearly. Below are a few ideas that will help you fearlessly dominate winter and confidently enter spring.

 

Go on a walk. 

Yes, it’s cold outside, but going on a daily walk is proven to drastically improve mental and physical health. Take a break from homework and go on a walk, whether it be for five minutes or an hour. If you are consistent, you will see changes in your sleeping habits, physical fitness, and energy and stress levels. So bundle up, put some music on, and change your lifestyle for the better!

Read a book.

Sophia Meyer

I’m not talking about the book that you’re required to read for English class. Read a book that you want to read. If you don’t know what kind of book you are looking for, find recommendations from social media apps such as TikTok or Instagram. A range of ages are represented on these apps, and odds are you will find a review from someone your age with a book that sounds interesting to you. I also recommend downloading the Goodreads app. I find it as a great tool for logging books I’ve read, adding books to my reading list, checking out book reviews, and setting goals for myself. There is a book for everyone out there, and reading is generally a great way to relax and destress. Don’t feel pressured to read books other people are telling you to – just read something that you’re interested in. With that said, make a trip to the library and get lost in your new favorite book!

Clean your room.

I know it sounds more like a chore than a fun activity, but living in a clean and tidy environment will decrease your stress levels and increase your productivity. The satisfaction that comes from a clean room is unmatched. Trust me, I am speaking from experience. If you don’t have time to clean your room, at least try to make your bed every day and put your laundry away. Have you heard the saying that making your bed every day makes you 206% more likely to become a millionaire? Yeah, let that be your motivation. 

Try new food.

I don’t know about you, but I have had a sandwich every day for lunch for the past ten years. And seeing as lunch is one of my favorite meals of the day, I think that maybe I should put more effort into a lunch that I am excited about, and that you should do the same. Having good and different food to look forward to makes every day significantly more enjoyable. This includes finding new restaurants, trying new recipes, and ditching that picky palate. Experimenting with new foods can even introduce you to a healthier lifestyle and immerse you in new cultures!

Pick up a creative hobby.

Two crochet projects, Pierre the Penguin and Henri the Frog. (Sophia Meyer)

Over winter break I started learning how to crochet. (PSA: crocheting isn’t just for grandmas!) Surprisingly, I found that I enjoyed it a lot. It also kept me off my phone for extended periods of time, helped pass the days, and proved to be a good gift to others once I finished my project. I’m not saying that you have to learn how to crochet, but I am saying that you should try to find a creative way to spend your time. Any creative hobby comes with many benefits, whether that hobby be scrapbooking, drawing, or learning how to play an instrument. So ditch the phone, pick up some yarn, and unleash your creativity!

 

Don’t let winter make you feel isolated. Make this time of year your time by doing more activities for yourself. Try to branch out from your comfort zone and pick up a new hobby – whether it be from this list or not!