{"id":40195,"date":"2019-11-29T09:15:55","date_gmt":"2019-11-29T14:15:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/?p=40195"},"modified":"2019-11-29T09:15:55","modified_gmt":"2019-11-29T14:15:55","slug":"winter-is-snow-joke-little-tricks-to-shake-the-winter-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/2019\/11\/29\/winter-is-snow-joke-little-tricks-to-shake-the-winter-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter is Snow Joke! Little Tricks to Shake the Winter Blues"},"content":{"rendered":"Aaniin! For many, winter is their favourite season\u2014filled with snow, cozy fires, winter sports, all the beautiful, twinkly lights. If you\u2019re like me however, winter can be a difficult time. It doesn\u2019t make it any easier that it seems to take up most of the year. I wanted to share with you little ways I try to shake the winter blues!\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Enlisting in the Help of a Happy Light<\/span><\/p>\r\nA Happy Light simulates natural daylight while boosting energy and mood. Long days of waking up at 6 am to take the train into the city and then making the commute home late after a long day can take such a toll on you. The Happy Light is something simple that I\u2019ve added to my routine which was a game changer.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/B666ECEA-3597-44A8-9EE7-1D7C2AE3A197.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-40191\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/B666ECEA-3597-44A8-9EE7-1D7C2AE3A197-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"happy light on bedside table\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/B666ECEA-3597-44A8-9EE7-1D7C2AE3A197-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/B666ECEA-3597-44A8-9EE7-1D7C2AE3A197-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/B666ECEA-3597-44A8-9EE7-1D7C2AE3A197-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">The Difference a Humidifier Will Make<\/span><\/p>\r\nThis was something I heard about online\u2014I was a bit skeptical at first, but the difference is definitely noticeable. I hadn\u2019t realized how dry the air was in at my house until I got the humidifier. You can add drops of lavender essential oils to some to really treat yourself before bed.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Staying Active<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/FF02A2AA-3DEA-45A7-89C9-FB4F5A51ED75.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-40192\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/FF02A2AA-3DEA-45A7-89C9-FB4F5A51ED75-300x293.jpg\" alt=\"picture of me snowshoeing\" width=\"300\" height=\"293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/FF02A2AA-3DEA-45A7-89C9-FB4F5A51ED75-300x293.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/FF02A2AA-3DEA-45A7-89C9-FB4F5A51ED75-768x750.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/FF02A2AA-3DEA-45A7-89C9-FB4F5A51ED75-1024x1000.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\nI feel like for most this is an obvious one, but I just wanted to stress how important it is. Sometimes just leaving the house is big for me. Even if it\u2019s just for half an hour a day, being active will make a big difference where mental health is concerned. If you find it difficult to stay motivated, enlist in the help of a friend to keep you accountable!\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Eating Well<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/22298EC7-A95A-42D2-B1A4-6A19B5B3B475-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-40196\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/22298EC7-A95A-42D2-B1A4-6A19B5B3B475-1-300x218.jpg\" alt=\"kale pesto pasta with vegetable sides and sausage\" width=\"300\" height=\"218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/22298EC7-A95A-42D2-B1A4-6A19B5B3B475-1-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/22298EC7-A95A-42D2-B1A4-6A19B5B3B475-1-768x559.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/22298EC7-A95A-42D2-B1A4-6A19B5B3B475-1-1024x745.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\nI know how hard it is to ask students to make full meals, life just gets way too busy that the effort is almost too much to even think about. I love cooking with others \u2013inviting friends and loved ones over to eat together is sometimes all the motivation I need.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Have Something to Look Forward To<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/CB95A214-76BA-4E2F-BFC1-63BCF5FB39BA.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-40197\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/CB95A214-76BA-4E2F-BFC1-63BCF5FB39BA-257x300.jpg\" alt=\"concert\" width=\"257\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/CB95A214-76BA-4E2F-BFC1-63BCF5FB39BA-257x300.jpg 257w, https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/CB95A214-76BA-4E2F-BFC1-63BCF5FB39BA.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 257px) 100vw, 257px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\nThe academic year largely takes place during the winter months and this can really impact those that suffer from the winter blues. One way I try to combat this is by planning hikes, concerts, and other events to look forward to. I can't stress enough how important it is to find a balance that works for you.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Ask for Support<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/7C568A75-0E19-4B01-9DB2-519B8A2C7E34-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-40198\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/7C568A75-0E19-4B01-9DB2-519B8A2C7E34-2-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"friends\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/7C568A75-0E19-4B01-9DB2-519B8A2C7E34-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/7C568A75-0E19-4B01-9DB2-519B8A2C7E34-2-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/files\/2019\/11\/7C568A75-0E19-4B01-9DB2-519B8A2C7E34-2-1024x769.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\nIf you\u2019re struggling, I know it can be difficult but it\u2019s important to remember that you are not alone. You are loved and supported! Sometimes being a part of such a large campus can feel isolating, but there are people here who want to see you succeed and be the best you. I\u2019m so thankful for my support system!\r\n\r\nLearn to listen to your body and it\u2019s needs, your health is important! Just finding little ways to improve parts of your daily routine will make a difference.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><em>If you think you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty, having thoughts or feelings that are hard to cope with, and it's impacting day-to-day life please reach out!<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><em>Student Life: links to Health &amp; Wellness resources can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/hwc\/feeling\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-summary\">\n<div class=\"entry-summary\">\nAaniin! For many, winter is their favourite season\u2014filled with snow, cozy fires, winter sports, all the beautiful, twinkly lights. If you\u2019re like me however, winter can be a difficult time. It doesn\u2019t make it any easier that it seems to&hellip;\n<\/div><div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/2019\/11\/29\/winter-is-snow-joke-little-tricks-to-shake-the-winter-blues\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;Winter is Snow Joke! Little Tricks to Shake the Winter Blues&rdquo;<\/span>&hellip;<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/2019\/11\/29\/winter-is-snow-joke-little-tricks-to-shake-the-winter-blues\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;Winter is Snow Joke! Little Tricks to Shake the Winter Blues&rdquo;<\/span>&hellip;<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"author":389,"featured_media":40190,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7204,62,1,70,58,66,67],"tags":[1905,78,153,9307,1439,138,25506,441],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40195"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/389"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40195"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40206,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40195\/revisions\/40206"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}