{"id":43230,"date":"2026-01-05T16:04:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T21:04:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/?p=43230"},"modified":"2026-01-21T15:21:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T20:21:03","slug":"weary-of-winter-heres-5-tricks-to-beat-the-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/tartan-news\/2026\/01\/05\/weary-of-winter-heres-5-tricks-to-beat-the-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"Weary of winter? Here’s 5 tricks to beat the blues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The stress of the holidays is over and the days have begun to lengthen again, but the winter blues are in full swing for many. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About 52% of Midwesterners say their mood declines during winter<\/a>, in line with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Women are more likely to report disruptions to their mood and behavior than men around this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some psychologists have it down not only to a science, but to a day: the third Monday of January<\/a> is believed to be the most depressing day of the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a community college student, there are several key strategies to boost one\u2019s mood and keep the blues at bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Invest in a SAD lamp<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the price (starting between $100 and $200), this is what it sounds like: an investment. But for people missing out on sunlight in the winter months, they do have proven effects<\/a> to boost one\u2019s mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamps mimick sunlight to help regulate peoples circadian rhythm, improving sleep and brain function.<\/strong> HACKENSACK MEDITERRANEAN HEALTH<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While they do not provide Vitamin D, SAD lamps work by mimicking sunlight, which helps to regulate one\u2019s circadian rhythm for improved sleep and brain function.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Keeping house plants can positively affect a persons mental health<\/strong>. GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Tend to a houseplant<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caring for something outside of oneself is immensely rewarding. As plants grow, they can give the gardener a sense of accomplishment<\/a> and have been shown to promote self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During winter, green spaces become less accessible, as do their health benefits<\/a>. Bringing the greenery indoors allows one to maintain a connection to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do a simple workout<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inactivity and unhealthy eating habits<\/a> are major factors in driving down people\u2019s moods over the winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of ways to get the blood pumping at home<\/a>, no equipment required. Squats, planks and jumping jacks build strength and endurance, while following along with one of thousands of yoga videos on YouTube can promote body awareness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get Summer-Ready: 5 Easy Workouts You Can Do Anywhere \u2014 No Gym Needed<\/a><\/blockquote>