The winter months bring a number of stressors that pose risks to our mental health. With the sun setting at 5:00 p.m. (or even earlier) and the workload of a college student nearing finals season, our stress is at an all-time high, and our motivation is lowering by the day.
Whether it’s due to a diagnosed disorder or the burnout that college brings, paired with the shorter and darker days, it’s important to stay on top of your mental health.
It’s normal for your mood to worsen during winter. The shorter days and the lack of sunlight affect your body’s natural rhythm, leading to lower levels of serotonin, the hormone responsible for mood regulation. The lack of sunlight and shorter days also affect the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating your body’s sleep cycle, with levels increasing through the winter months.
It’s not uncommon for there to be a shift in your sleep schedule, motivation, or just overall mood. It’s important, however, that instead of crawling under the blankets in your bed and doomscrolling on TikTok, you push yourself to make decisions that can positively affect your mental health as we suffer through this upcoming Illinois winter.
Perhaps the most important, and most commonly repeated, thing to keep in mind is exercise. Exercise has a positive effect on mental health by releasing endorphins that boost your mood and, in turn, reduce stress.
Typically, this leads to improved sleep, self-esteem, and cognitive function. Not only is it a positive choice for physical health, but also for mental health. Whether you attend the yoga or Zumba classes offered at the DISC, take a walk on the treadmills, or go for a run outside, any form of exercise is inherently “good” exercise and should be something you consider during these winter months.
It’s also important to get the proper amount of sleep, which, for a college student, is a recommended seven to nine hours. While I understand that seems like an unrealistic number in terms of the life of college students, you should do the best you can to prioritize sleep in addition to eating a balanced diet.
Hobbies are a positive influence on your mental health, too. You could have a cozy night in, baking and watching cheesy romcoms, reading a book with a cup of hot chocolate, or hosting a game night with your friend group. Regardless of what you choose to participate in, anything is better than the somewhat monotonous routine of going to class and coming home to doomscroll for hours on end, day after day.
I don’t say this to fully criminalize a mindless afternoon of scrolling through TikTok memes and trends. I’m sure most of us, if not all, have those kinds of days where the only thing we can muster energy for is a day on TikTok, YouTube, or binge-watching our favorite TV show. However, it’s important to understand that there must be a limit in order to limit the negative effects it has on your mental health.
If you are in need of someone to talk to or help with your mental health, try talking to a trusted friend or family member, or consider utilizing the Mental Health and Behavioral Services offered at Millikin.
