As the days grow shorter and the air turns colder, many St. Olaf students may feel tempted to slip under a heavy blanket and hibernate until spring. Whether you’ve lived in Minnesota your whole life, like me, or are experiencing your first true Midwestern winter, the season is a force to be reckoned with. Here are a few tips to help you make it through the months ahead.
By now, you’ve likely noticed the near-constant cloud cover that hangs over Minnesota from mid-October through spring. The lack of sunshine often contributes to lower energy levels and worsened moods — a common experience across the state. In addition to visiting the Wellness Center to talk through those seasonal mood swings, consider taking a vitamin D supplement. The vitamin, which our bodies normally produce through sunlight exposure, helps boost serotonin levels and improve mood.
Certain foods can also provide a natural energy boost. One option you might already enjoy is chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in plant-based nutrients called flavanols, which increase blood flow to the brain. So if you’re ever feeling foggy on a cold winter day, head to The Cage and order a hot cocoa — it’s good for you! If cocoa isn’t your thing, green and black teas contain similar brain-boosting benefits.
Winter can also make it harder to connect socially. You might find yourself staying indoors simply to avoid the cold. But with a little extra effort to bundle up in your long johns and coat, you can take advantage of the best part of Minnesota winters — the outdoor fun. At St. Olaf, we’re lucky to have our own sledding hill on campus and an ice rink just across the river at Carleton. These classic winter pastimes are perfect ways to spend time with friends or meet new people. Invite a friend to join you, teach someone to skate, or take a lesson yourself. Not only will you get some social time, but the physical activity will also help regulate your mood and energy levels.
As we enter this snowy season filled with both challenges and cheer, take time to appreciate the small, quiet moments we often overlook. Listen for the sound of snowflakes hitting the ground, the crunch of ice beneath your boots, and the crackle of a fire warming your hands — and your heart.
Welcome to winter, Oles.
Writer’s note: “Long johns” is a Midwestern term for a thin layer of thermal wear worn under regular clothes for warmth. It can also refer to a rectangular, custard-filled doughnut.
