Beat the winter blues: keeping students happy

Although it has been a relatively mild winter in terms of snowfall, the business of being a student, and the lack of sunlight, are worth focusing on in regards to our wellness. 

There is not an exact known cause for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to webmd.com. 

SAD is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months and can be, "triggered by inadequate outdoor light and exacerbated by stress," according to the website. Symptoms can include depression, feeling a lack of energy, increased sleep, overeating and social withdrawal. 

So what can we do about this? It's important to keep track of ourselves and pay attention to our behavior and moods. Listening to other people's observations of our own behavior may also be helpful. Knowing what is going on with ourselves is key to figuring out a way to respond and get the resources we need. 

We can also be proactive and increase our wellness during this time of the year. 

Meditation can be a great way to reduce anxiety. The UVM Mindfulness Practice Center provides drop-in meditation sessions each week and will be hosting a meditation retreat on March 31. 

Talking to a mental health counselor can also help you figure out the best way to handle your stress. 

Social support is also essential in curbing depression. Having fun and interacting with others can help you relax and connect you to people who are there for you. Call up a friend to go out for a meal, check out one of the many campus programs, or connect with your RA. 

Other helpful behaviors include being out in the sun for at least 15-20 minutes a day because a lack of vitamin D occurs when a person gets insufficient sun exposure. Exercising regularly for 20 minutes a day and eating Vitamin D rich foods, such as fish, milk and eggs can also be beneficial. 

For more information, visit: www.uvm.edu/health.  

Jude Paul Dizon works in Health Education & Outreach through the Center for Health and Wellbeing.