Eight activities to keep beating seasonal depression: A guide
Beat those January blues once and for all!
We may be nearing the end of January now, but the wind and rain seems set in for the long haul and it’s hard to feel optimistic in these less than ideal conditions. With it feeling like there’s little to look forward to, here are eight things that can boost your mood and make your month a little bit more bearable.
Go out for breakfast
Starting your day right is so important and can set you up for the rest of the week and food is fuel after all. Getting out the house, meeting your friends and having breakfast is a great way to give yourself a little boost in the cold months and doesn’t take over your whole day. My personal fave spot for breakfast in Leamington is Waf Waf Cafe on Warwick Street.
Get your nails done
A slightly expensive treat but something that is guaranteed to make you smile. I like to get colourful or sparkly nails in the colder months to make life a little bit more exciting and at least they look nice on your keyboard when you’re frantically typing away. Even painting your nails at home is something that can be relaxing amidst January deadlines.
Go to a society social/event
Society socials are so great because you feel welcome if you go alone or in a group, taking away a lot of anxiety about going out. Warwick has so many societies so whether you are looking for a sober social, want to try circling or would rather a daytime event you’ll be able to find it. Check society instagrams for their social calendars.
Make a home cooked meal
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This is a big one for me, and something that seriously helps me relax after a day at uni. You can’t expect to feel good if you’re eating badly. It’s not feasible to cook gourmet meals every night don’t get me wrong, but trying to eat home cooked meals regularly can improve your mood and make you feel like you’ve achieved something other than uni work, which is so important.
Bake something
This is definitely not something you can do all the time, but can be a great break and way to cure boredom or stress. Either an evening activity or a slow Sunday snack baking something yummy is a great way to infuse the last days of January with joy.
Go on a walk
So yes, it’s true what the experts say, getting outside is good for your brain. It’s good to get some fresh air and move, even just for 20 minutes. Sometimes it can be the reset you need to clear your head and take a breather away from a screen. I love going for a walk through Jephson gardens with my headphones on and having twenty minutes to myself.
Go on a night out
Maybe not matching the self care vibes but you are a uni student after all, it’s important to remember that it’s supposed to be fun. Sometimes having a Jägerbomb and dancing and laughing with your friends can honestly make the world of difference to combat the seasonal scaries.
See your friends from home
It’s ok to admit you miss home sometimes and seeing familiar people can really help centre yourself and make everything seem ok. Seeing friends or family that know you well can offer you a dose of familiarity and a bit of a break from the hectic life that is student living.