Ah yes, another cold February in Minnesota. The long winter months of third quarter at Holy Family always seem to drag on and on, and I can’t help but get a little down as the days start to run together with no sight of green grass and warm weather in the near future. It seems as though everyone experiences a slight sense of seasonal depression during these months, but these feelings are not unsurmountable. Here are a few tried and true tips and tricks to help cure those winter blues!

Perform natural serotonin boosters:

Serotonin is a chemical nerve produced in the body that acts as a mood stabilizer. In simpler terms, it makes you happy! According to a study published in the journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, the three best ways to naturally boost serotonin are exercise, meditation, and a healthy diet. By regularly performing these three activities, you will ultimately be a happier person, which will make it easier to endure any winter time sadness that comes your way.

Form a routine:

By forming a daily routine, one’s actions become habit. When one falls into a schedule and sticks to it, the daily grind will feel less grueling because you have a plan set in place for what you need to accomplish. Having a routine will help you feel organized and on top of things, making it easier to navigate any problems that come your way.

Look forward to something:

One of the most important things in life is to always have something to look forward to. That thought of something fun in the future can be used as motivation to push through the things that might not be as enjoyable. It also helps you to stop dwelling on the problems of the past or troubles of the present. This strategy is extremely effective during times like this, as we are not only battling the whipping winter winds, but also the pandemic of COVID-19. Right now, as we trudge through loads of both snow and homework, try and find something to look forward to. It can be something as small as hanging out with a couple friends after school or something as big as the end of the pandemic. For me, I always look forward to spring break at the end of a third quarter. There are so many amazing things in the future, so no matter what, keep looking forward!

If you find yourself feeling down as we continue to push through another Minnesotan winter, keep in mind that this is totally okay! No one should feel pressured to be happy all the time, and its totally normal to be sad once in a while. However, if you seem to be unable to shake any feelings of depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to a parent or friend for help. The counselors at school are also the perfect people to talk to, as they are always open to chat and have lots of expertise in the area of depression. With that being said, the next time you are feeling down this winter and need a little pick me up, just remember the tips from this article. Grab a friend, your favorite game, and get some serotonin flowing!