Staff writer Audrey Pretnar shares some tips for beating the winter blues.

Winter can be heartbreaking. Losing daylight hours, perfect weather, and the ability to layer your outfits is tough. There are only a few more weeks of sunshine and joy before Vitamin D deficiencies make getting out of bed horrendous. But have no fear! Getting ahead of the winter blues is only two heartbreaks away!

1. Go to bed the same time every night.

The first heartbreak is always the hardest. That is exactly what setting yourself a bedtime feels like. Believe me, I know that you have at least twenty things you need to do before your head hits the pillow. Not even including the twenty things you need to do tomorrow. Unfortunately, no matter how much we try to fight it, adequate sleep always wins out. Getting your body on a sleep schedule is instrumental in sleep hygiene. 

If you are having trouble knowing how to set a sleep schedule, might I suggest starting a nighttime routine? For example, making tea for yourself at the same time every night? Part of that nighttime routine might include stopping phone usage past a certain time. But, let’s be real.  Believing that we could set our phones down at 9 pm and then go to sleep by 10 pm is a pipe dream nowadays. So, instead of saying “NO” to your phone all at once, try watching the same show before you go to sleep every night. The most important thing is signaling to your brain that it is sleep time.

2. Go Outside.

The second heartbreak hurts a little less, but must be done. This heartbreak comes from leaving your bed, room, classroom, or the general indoors. But have no fear! You are about to become acquainted with the air, grass, animals, and sun (or moon). 

Because winter makes going outside feel like a chore, it’s best to have as much fun in the great outdoors now! If you do make it outside at least once a day, congratulations! Also, if you have any outdoor spots you like, please let me know. 

A favorite spot of mine is Riverside Drive. There are three swing sets between 110th and 125th to choose from! Also, a late night walk might bring about a fun run-in with the local raccoons! You never know ;)

Our clocks “falling back” does not mean that you have to as well. A healthy sleep routine and relationship with sunshine might feel like heartbreak at first. After all, you are breaking away from your usual routines. Thriving during those harder winter months requires intention! Just remember, implementing these habits is done to enjoy life not only in the present, but the future as well. 

I hope you enjoyed these brief tips on how to get winter ready. If you have any of your own tips please comment below! 

Enjoy your fall! Enjoy your winter! And most importantly, enjoy the in-between of both :)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Photo with Text via Bwarchives