Living in Minnesota during the winter months can feel unbearable. With these tips, you can bring some clarity to your mental state.
Winter isn’t just about cold. It’s about sunlight, and getting enough sunlight during the weekends might be the best way to fight the long Minnesota winter, which as we all know can last as long as nine months – or so it seems. According to Matej Bajzer, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota and an adult psychiatrist who focuses on bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia, says seasonal affective disorder, or seasonal depression, is most likely caused by the amount of sunlight a person gets. This may also include the length and quality of the sunlight. The winter blues, as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is sometimes called, is complicated, But everyone can use a little weekend therapy to brighter the mood and improve overall mental health:
Get Moving
Exercise and the effects of mental health have many positive correlations. Having a stable and consistent routine helps motivate you to get important things done, such as exercise, while also giving you purpose to get up & start your day. During your weekend, this can include an at-home workout, going to the gym, or playing an intramural sport. Grace McHugh and Molly Ashbrook, sophomore students at the University of Minnesota said that just getting up and moving their body, no matter how strenuous the workout, helps them take their mind off school and other stressors in their life, while doing something productive for their health.
Eating Foods that Nourish
Although you probably have heard this from your mother since you were 3, eating a balanced diet is super influential on your mental health. Especially eating foods rich in Vitamin D and Omega-3 such as salmon, dark greens, and nuts. Exploring new restaurants during your weekend can be a fun and different way to get out and try new things while making sure you are eating sustainably. Or for your weekends in, be sure to include meals greens, protein, carbs, and healthy fats!
Connect With Others
Surrounding yourself with friends and family can make the colder Minnesota months feel more enjoyable. Mary Peterson, a sophomore student at the University of Minnesota said she cares for herself by “finding support within my friends and explaining how I feel.” The weekend is the perfect occasion to let yourself take some time off the demanding week and spend time with people you love. Learning to balance between taking care of yourself alone and accepting the assistance of others is something that can benefit your mental sanity immensely.
Go the Extra Care Step
Taking extra care of yourself can look like many different things. It could be taking an additional vitamin D supplement. Or finding a new hobby interest or scheduling something to look forward to. Or it could simply be drinking eight cups of water a day. No matter how big or small the gesture may seem, setting aside a devoted time to work on yourself is key to maintaining a healthy and happy mind. Another alternative could be getting a HappyLight Therapy Lamp, which mimics the outdoor light without the harmful UV rays, has been linked to lift moods and ease other symptoms of SAD. “Finding mindfulness and appreciation with where I am right now instead of just wishing for summer,” Peterson said.