By: Nokomis Bramantecohen, College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-Being Leader

Introduction:

During our time living in New England the temperature drops and our world becomes quieter and darker. Because of this, it becomes easier to slip into habits that may make you feel drained, unmotivated and/or isolated… it might make the simplest of tasks feel the most heaviest. This is why the winter season is one of the most important seasons to practice and focus on intentional self care. 

Taking care of yourself in the winter isn’t just about staying warm, although it is a big part of it, it is also about supporting your body, mind, and spirit! Making sure to keep your immune system strong and healthy, managing the seasonal depression, and finding the little bits of joy through the cold and dull days. Below I have put together a list of helpful tips and tricks to navigate the season with more comfort, warmth, and groundfulness. 

Tend to Your Physical Well-Being: 

• Bundle Up: Seriously! New England winters don’t play around! I always remember my parents and teachers telling me to wear a bunch of layers when I was a kid and I didn’t want to listen to them. But now I find myself telling my friends, peers, and kids to bundle up and wear thermals, a heavy coat, hats, gloves, scarves, and layers in general! It’s best to keep the head and feet especially warm because that is where the most heat is lost! 
• Warm Meals and Drinks: Drinking hot beverages like tea, hot chocolate, lemon water, and other warm fluids helps regulate the body’s temperature and soothe the through. You can also consume cozy foods too like soups, stews, oatmeal, and other foods like that to help maintain energy for the body to stay warm 
• Warm Baths and Moisturizer: Partaking in a warm bath or shower can soothe tight muscles and help your body relax through all of the cold days! Make sure to follow up with moisturizing and hydrating your skin with some moisturizer after the well deserved long shower!

Protect Yourself During Cold and Flu Season  

• Stay Bundled to Avoid Getting Run Down: Like I said before, make sure to stay bundled! Your body uses so much more energy to stay warm, and staying warm helps the immune system stay strong rather than receive constant chills. 
• Wash Your Hands Often: During the winter time there are more people inside. More people inside equals more germs shared on daily surfaces. Make sure to wash your hands frequently or even carry a little bottle of hand sanitizer with you! 
• Boost Immunity: Make sure to sleep well and get at least seven to eight hours of well rested sleep, along with drinking a lot of water to keep the body hydrated within the cold, and lastly remember to keep up with vitamins. These vitamins can be found in citrus, berries, greens, and soups packed with vegetables. 

Bring in the Light 

• Turn on the Lights Early: As the shorter days start to arrive it can throw off our energy levels! Make sure to turn on the lights as soon as you wake up either with a warm sunset lamp or the overhead, they both do the trick! Also make sure to turn on the lights during the evening as well. Once it hits 5 pm the sky starts to darken, so make sure to let the light in!
• Study in Third Spaces: If your room feels dark and/or inspiring, studying as places like the library, cafe, and/or the student lounge can help motivate yourself and others through the winter slump!
• Let Natural Light in: Even if it’s only for a brief period of time, try to go outside or open the window curtain when there is natural light out. It will help regulate the sleep cycle and one’s emotions!

Plan a Little “Pick-Me-Up”

• Small Treats Can Go a Long Way: Treating yourself doesn’t have to be a huge deal! But rather a small cup of coffee, a warm cookie, or even your favorite comfort meals. Even going to take yourself out on a movie date, make sure to incorporate some time to focus, care, and to treat yourself.
• Explore Free Winter Activities: Many cities and local towns have entirely free or low cost holiday events like treelightings, winter markers, outdoor skating, gingerbread displays, light festivals, campus events, etc! These are great ways to reward yourself after a long study session or a “pick me up” to get into the holiday cheer!
• Create Some Cozy Traditions: Make a winter playlist, bake a warm dessert, create a festive piece to celebrate the holidays! Create a little tradition to look forward to every year, doing so makes the holidays feel more magical!

Move Your Body

• Indoor Workouts and Yoga: Online workouts, stretching routines, and even quick ten minute mindfulness meditation can help keep your body from feeling stiff! You don’t need any equipment, but just a positive mindset! 
• Short Walks: Bundle up and take a walk between classes or when the sun is still out. Fresh air (even cold air) can help wake up your senses and help boost your mood)!
• Winter Activities: If you enjoy being outside, try to take part in the seasonal activities like sledding, ice skating, and even hiking. Moving around and surrounding yourself with nature can help the winter sluggishness. 

Nourish Your Mind and Emotions 

• Journal and “Brain Dump”: Write anything and everything! What stressors are on your mind and what are some coping mechanisms to help combat the stress? Journaling helps make the noise in your head disappear.
• Stay Connected: It’s easy to accidentally isolate yourself during the winter time. Remember to reach out to your friends. Grab lunch, plan a study date, or even plan a call!
• Honors Your Energy Levels: If the winter makes you feel more tired and groggy that is normal! Allow yourself to take rests, slow the pace down, and take breaks when needed. Remember that you do not need to be productive 24/7, especially within the darker months of the winter time. 

Thank you so much for reading my last article written for the Fall 2025 semester! It has been a pleasure to share my thoughts and emotions. To whoever is reading this, I’m glad you’ve read this blog the whole way through and just know you will get through these dark and cold months, always remember to let the light in!