SXU’s snowy campus last year The Xavierite
Early this month, clocks fell back an hour to align with Daylight Savings Time (DST). We gained a single hour of sleep, and that’s about where the list of benefits ends.
Few people are completely immune to the winter blues. It’s pitch black at 5:30 p.m., finals are approaching for students, and it’s hard to get fresh air without freezing.
Even the holiday season isn’t fun for everyone. If your family isn’t exactly the picture of harmony or you’re particularly missing someone, the holidays can be a lonely time.
In an effort to push back on the winter blues (or seasonal depression if we’re being honest), I’ve compiled a list of tips and recommendations to help us all get through the coming winter season.
First and foremost, my favorite way to cope will always be through media. There are very few things in this world some good escapism can’t alleviate. Sometimes when you’re down, all you need is to get lost in another world for a while.
If you’re a movie person, there are plenty of warm and cozy films to watch to lift your spirits.
“The Holdovers” is a newer favorite of mine. I first watched it last year, and it quickly became cemented into my rotation of holiday movies.
It’s a quiet, character-driven film about three outcasts at a New England boarding school who get stuck together over winter break. A history teacher, head cook, and trouble-making student form an unlikely bond as they spend the holidays together.
It’s not an in-your-face Christmas movie like “Elf,” but this makes it all the more realistic and moving.
If you’re looking for something less cozy and more frigid to match the weather, you could try “Anatomy of a Fall” or “Nosferatu.”
Both films, while they have very different plots, have beautiful winter cinematography. They aren’t light-hearted watches: one is about a failing marriage amidst a murder and the other is about a centuries-old vampire terrorizing 19th century Germany.
They may not seem like holiday watches, but they’re perfect if you need to get away from the onslaught of Christmas cheer for a while.
If you’re a reader, I’d recommend “The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet” by John Green for this time of year.
This collection of essays focuses on everything from Canada Geese to the origin of the QWERTY keyboard. Through the lens of seemingly mundane aspects of our lives, Green paints a touching portrait of the human condition with each of his essays.
To me, this book felt like a hug. What else do you need during the holiday season?
This time of year is also the time to indulge in your favorite comfort foods. Sometimes, a good meal can lift your mood more than you’d expect.
One of my favorite local restaurants is Pappy’s, located at 3301 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park. They’re mostly known for their burgers and ribs, but my favorite menu items of theirs are their wraps.
In particular, the crispy chicken wrap is very good. It’s a good amount of food for the price and very filling. Their french fries are also perfect—just crispy enough and not overly greasy.
Pappy’s also has an extensive ice cream menu if you’re looking for a treat to match the temperature outside.
When you’re coming home from a long day of classes or work, Pappy’s is the kind of restaurant you can go to for food that tastes homemade in an elevated way. It’s perfect comfort food.
Movies, books, and food can do a lot to help bouts of winter sadness, but it’s important to take care of yourself in other ways as well.
Getting some sort of exercise is crucial for keeping yourself healthy. I don’t mean you need to hit the gym every morning; that sounds like my worst nightmare. More feasible options like doing a yoga routine from YouTube, walking around the neighborhood, or even dancing around your room are all beneficial.
Another way to take care of yourself throughout the cold months is to be conscious of your mental health. Don’t push everything down. Check in with yourself and assess how you’re doing before it gets out of control.
Hopefully, these recommendations do something to ease the stress and sadness that can often arrive in winter. They’ve definitely helped me. If you’re struggling and need more help, consider reaching out to SXU’s counseling services here.