Matthew Desmond
Staff Writer
It’s October now. We’re deep into the school year. Some of you may be excited for the colors, the crisp weather, football games, but not everyone looks forward to this time. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. People can experience SAD during any season, but, according to Mayo Clinic, it is most common in the fall and into the winter. Thankfully, there are many things you can do if you are feeling down during this time.
A common reason why people might feel upset during fall and winter is because it starts to get dark earlier. One way to cope with this is to get outside during the day. Just a 15-minute walk can help. You will expose yourself to sunlight helping you produce vitamin D, which, in turn, regulates your mood. Check in with yourself before the walk and label how you feel. While walking, take the time to breathe deeply. Not only will you be getting good exercise, but you will also feel calmer. Feel the cool breeze against your face. Try not to wear headphones. Hear the crunch of leaves under your feet. Check in with yourself again after the walk and acknowledge if you feel better. Walking in the morning or in the afternoon can help you feel happier for the rest of your day.
If you do not want to walk outside, you can also do yoga which can help calm the body and the brain while also providing healthy stretches. There is a yoga class that you can sign up for at 4 PM every Monday through Nov. 28 in MAC 200. You can go to Dominican’s Fitness Center, located in the lower level of Coughlin Hall. They have treadmills, weights, and exercise bikes. Exercise releases endorphins which can make you feel happier.
It is also important to pay attention to your diet. You can warm up with soup or tea. Also, try to include many fruits and vegetables in your diet during the fall and winter months
Take each day one at a time. Fall is filled with the hope of Dominican’s Long Weekend, Thanksgiving break, and Christmas break. However, school can seem intimidating with all the work to do between breaks, as well as the stress of midterms, finals, and deadlines. Try to break assignments up into smaller chunks. This will make the work more manageable. Take breaks while studying to do something fun, such as eating your favorite snack or watching a movie.
Reach out for help if you need it. Make an appointment with the Wellness Center to talk through your feelings. Visit your professors’ office hours and the Academic Enrichment Center if you need help preparing for exams and projects. You can also make an appointment on DU Caritas to talk to a University Ministry staff member. Asking for help
can reassure you that you are not alone.
It is also important to show compassion towards others. Get together with friends to study together or to meet for a snack. Check in with classmates to see how they are doing. Text or call someone and talk about something other than school. Showing kindness towards others will help them and help you, because you will be connecting with someone.
College can be hard when there is a change in weather. However, there are many things you can do. Exercising and eating healthy can help your mental health. Taking each day slowly can help you feel less overwhelmed. Reaching out for help can provide you with support. Being kind to others can help you form connections. Remember that you are not alone, and that there are many resources to help you.
mdesmond@my.dom.edu
