Banish the winter blues
Posted on 3 January 2020
This time of year can be difficult. The NHS estimates that the winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), affects around 2 million people in the UK - so you’re not alone.
Tips for beating winter depression
Get some daylight
It’s thought that the winter blues are caused by your body’s reaction to a lack of daylight - so go outside, especially at midday when light levels are at their highest, and sit by a window when you’re indoors. Explore campus at lunchtime - visit campus landmarks, view art on campus, walk the solar system, check out the campus tree trail and record wildlife sightings on campus!
Get out and about
Exercise has been shown to improve mood so now is the time to take up a new sport or activity - or consider walking instead of taking the bus. Find YUSU clubs and societies you could join or see what University events, college events, or YUSU events are on and make a date with friends. It’s Give It A Go week in Week 2 so try something new! There are loads of events planned with York's societies, sport clubs, media groups and volunteering projects and no membership or experience is needed.
Get warm
Being cold can make you depressed. Wear warm clothes, eat hot food and drink that coffee!
Eat healthily
What you eat affects your mood. Try to resist sugary cravings and include more fruit and veg in your diet. You could also take vitamin D supplements.
Talk to someone
If you’re struggling, ask for help. See our health and wellbeing help and support page for the wide range of people you can contact for more support, including your college tutors. If you find your low mood affects your ability to live a normal life, contact your GP.
There are Samaritan drop-ins on campus from 6pm to 8pm every Monday in Seebohm Rowntree Building (A/TB/033) and Wednesday at Goodricke College (in GNU/001) during term time.