Winter is coming! With the rainy season right above us, you might be struggling to find different ways to keep warm and stay healthy. Here are a few tips to follow to make sure you are set for the winter.
Tip 1: Layer up! Even if you don’t have that snow coat yet, wearing additional layers can be very valuable during these times. Thermals can be purchased from Target, Walmart and basically any drug store (CVS in the Wellesley Village has them). This coming Friday, the campus will be hit with the first round of snow. Staying warm and preventing sickness are very important during these times so you can stay on top of your classes and your game.
Tip 2: Eat healthy! The dining hall may not always have your favorite food, but it’s very important that you follow a balanced diet. Try to have one to two fruits a day (bananas, apples, etc.) and some greens as well. The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines suggest that young adults and adults should eat anywhere from 5 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. These help keep your body physically healthy, so that you’re able to work through the numerous problem sets and readings you have.
Tip 3: Maintain your hygiene! As a student at Wellesley College, where you’re expected to present your absolute best work daily, the last thing you need is a bacterial or a viral infection. Common illnesses that spread amongst college students include mononucleosis, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections and athlete’s foot. Generally speaking, students should wear flip-flops while showering, have safe sex and wash their hands as basic means of protecting themselves. Antibiotics are not fun to be on, and sickness will only inhibit you from fulfilling what is required of you.
Tip 4: Buy appropriate winter clothes! If you haven’t already bought them, the following are vital clothing items for you to survive your winter here:
- Snow boots
- Snow coat
- Rain boots (avoid soaked shoes)
- Gloves
- Ear muffs
It’s hard enough to wake up for those 8:30s; not only does warm clothing protect you from the cold weather, it also provides motivation for you to get out of bed and get through the day.
Tip 5: Get the sleep you need! In the winter, our bodies crave more sleep. According to Sleep.org, your body clock is partially maintained by exposure to light; thus, with the darkening days, it’s much harder to stay awake as late as you would during the summer. Seven to nine hours are typically the sleep hours recommended, but this also depends on a person by person basis. Listen to your body’s needs!
Tips 6: Many first years, as well as upperclassmen, may be experiencing bouts of seasonal depression as well. Seasonal affective disorder, also commonly known as S.A.D., will become more common on campus as the days become darker at earlier times. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sex, age, and your locations’ relative distance from the equator will affect how you will be impacted. As per MedicalNewsToday, women are much more likely to experience S.A.D. than men are. Thus, S.A.D. may be very common on campus in the next few weeks and months.
Overall, it is very important to stay healthy and happy during the winter so you can continue to be a successful Wellesley student. Take care of yourself and others around you.
If you or someone you know is battling depression, visit the Stone Center’s website for more information. You can also book an appointment with any counselor 48 hours in advance via your health portal.
