Tag Archives: surviving winter

Those Winter Quarter Blues

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Ally Romanes

Even here in sunny California, the winter months can feel neverending. With less daylight and cooler temperatures (yes it does get cold in CA). It can be really hard to focus and feel productive when all you want to do is curl up in a blanket and watch Netflix. Here are some ways to help you deal with those winter quarter blues and stay on top of what’s important.

Make A Plan

Figure out what absolutely must get done. Make a list and take it one step at a time. Make sure to note important things like due dates for assignments and tests. Having a game plan will help keep you on task.

Study Productively 

Lack of motivation can really put you in a slump. If you’re reading the same page over and over again, think of other ways to use your study time productively. Create a study guide or study your notes, or quiz yourself on what you’ve been reading. There’s never enough time to finish everything, so make sure you’re using your time wisely. 

Sleep! 

You can’t work productively if you don’t get enough sleep. If you’re constantly feeling tired and not as engaged, try actually going to bed! Choose a bedtime and try and stick to it throughout the week. We know stuff comes up and sometimes you’re not going to be able to get to sleep on time, so plan for a short nap.

Take Breaks

Being on the go is exhausting, so remember to take breaks. Grab dinner with friends, hit the gym with your roommate, watch your favorite show, whatever you choose to do, just be sure to take a little time to relax. 

 Do Something Fun On The Weekends 

Get off the hill during the weekends! Doing things you enjoy will help clear your mind and leave you in a better mood. Get something to eat, catch a movie, or go biking in the back 40. Take advantage of your weekends and recuperate a little.

Take Care Of Yourself

Balancing work, school, friends, and family can take a lot out of you and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. 

You’re important to us! If you’re having a hard time, make sure to ask for help. Reach out to a friend, RA, professor, dean, or chaplain. There are countless people on campus ready to jump in to offer solutions or just a shoulder to lean on. 

 

Tips for Surviving Winter Quarter

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Even here in sunny California, the winter months can seem a little long. With shorter days and cooler temperatures, it’s important to take some time for self-care. From one PUCite to another, here are some pro-tips and products to help you make it to spring!

  • Surround yourself with photos of friends and family.
  • Use less harsh lighting. Swap out your light bulbs for these indoor sunshine bulbs from Amazon.
  • Decorate your dorm room with candles. Target has a great battery operated option.
  • Get yourself a desk plant. Succulents are very popular and don’t take a lot of upkeep.
  • Make your room comfortable with extra pillows and blankets. Grab a plush toy even!
  • Invest in blackout curtains or a sleep mask to make sure you get some real rest.
  • Hang some Christmas lights up. Don’t bother undecorating after the holidays either, just leave them up for a little ambiance!
  • Use a diffuser with different essential oils. My personal favorites are lavender and rose.
  • Make sure to have hot cocoa mix and throw in a festive mug or two. My personal favorite is this Star Wars porg mug.
  • Stock up on Airborne, Zicam, and Emergen-C to fight off any bugs.
  • Pick one show you can watch weekly (or nightly) for a much-needed break.
  • Pack your cupboard full of microwaveable popcorn for a healthy-ish late night snack.
  • Chamomile tea helps with sleep and improves cognitive functions during the day, so have some on hand.
  • For a little extra quiet, have earphones for your study music and earplugs to help you sleep. There are cheap versions of each at places like Target, but Flare Audio ones have some outstanding reviews.
  • Remember even in the most stressful times, there is always a friend, resident assistant, dean, chaplain, or a professor who would be happy to take a few minutes to talk and pray with and for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to someone when you need some extra support.

These are just 15 simple ideas and products I personally find helpful. But don’t just take my word for it, ask friends and family and start your own list.