1. Exercise
Go to the gym, a walk, or run. Exercise will keep your blood flowing and keep you warm during those frigid nights. It will also helps in strengthening your immune system, so your body can fight off the flu! When you exercise, the brain releases “feel-good” chemicals called serotonin and dopamine, which can help to reduce anxiety and depression while giving you a break from work. No matter what you do to exercise, you’re benefiting your body by relieving stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
You can even go to the Gassett Fitness Center for group exercise classes, club sports, or the open gym. Check this link for more information! : https://www.salemstate.edu/campusrec.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat and when you eat can greatly affect your mood and energy. So, eat a well-balanced diet with healthy foods to provide your body with the nutrients you need.
Don’t know where to start? SSU’s dietitian can help you out. Contact Information: Tim DiLeo, ssudietitian@salemstate.edu
3. Get some Sun
The fall/ winter days are shorter and darker, and with the cold weather, not many people want to go outside. The sun provides Vitamin D and improves your mood – so get outside and soak up the sun!
4. Act on Your Resolutions
Whatever your resolutions may be, fulfill them! Go into the new semester with a positive attitude and accomplish your goals. Get friends and family involved too! Try to do something different than what you did before – this can be waking up earlier to eat breakfast or having a self-care day.
5. Be Prepared
As you start off a new semester, be proactive and get organized. Try using highlighters to help you study and navigate the important information. Manage your time and have a successful semester ahead.
6. Treat Yourself
Having something to look forward to can keep anyone motivated. So, plan something exciting for you to do like a night out, a sporting event, a shopping trip, etc. This can help you when you are feeling down or motivate you to read that extra chapter. Use this opportunity to better yourself and reward yourself for the hard work that you accomplished during the week and the weeks to come during the final push to finals.
7. Relax
You’re busy with life, so take some time off for yourself. Relaxation can relieve stress and give you calm energy. You can relax by taking a walk or listening to music – anything that will help you refocus and better yourself.
8. Embrace the Season
Don’t avoid the cold and snow – look to see what it has to offer. Become involved in a winter activity like ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or building a snowman. Join the snowball fights or watch take a drive around your neighborhood to look at the holiday decorations.
9. Get Social Support
Have your friends and family involved in your life. Let them know what’s going on and they can be your support team for your victories or worries. If you want more support, consider Counseling and Health Services at SSU. Here is the link for Counseling Services: https://www.salemstate.edu/campus-life/student-services/counseling-and-health-services/counseling-services .
10. Catch some Zzzzz’s
Sleep is so important for your body. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and try to keep your bedtime and waking time consistent. That way your sleep patterns will normalize, and you’ll have more energy. You should also aim to turn off your phone and lights an hour before going to bed to help you fell asleep faster and shut down your brain activity.
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