Michigan winters are not to be taken lightly. Here are some obvious, yet effective, tips to stay sane and even enjoy the season.
- Stay Active
This method is highly recommended for good reason — it’s the body’s best defense against the blues. A 2023 review published in the journal “Cureus” states that exercise improves the symptoms of anxiety and depression. So, whether you have a diagnosed mental health disorder or are just looking for a dopamine boost, moving your body is a great place to start.
Students can take advantage of the Ryder Center, which is free with a student ID. Not a fan of boring workouts? No problem. Ask the front desk to borrow a pickleball paddle and ball, and hit the court with a friend or two. Learning a new sport is both fun and great exercise, especially when your cardiovascular health is tested every time the ball gets hit out of bounds.
If sports aren’t your calling, either, try one of the free group fitness classes. Check out the schedule at svsu.edu/campusrecreation to find one that fits just right.
- Take a Vitamin
Vitamin D is a non-negotiable supplement during the winter. According to the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of depression. With that in mind, whether it’s through supplements or a change in diet, be sure to keep that Vitamin D intake high when sun exposure is limited.
- Buy A Lifesaver
A “lifesaver” could mean many things: for me, it meant buying a heated blanket to stop the chill. This has absolutely changed the trajectory of my life for the better. Instead of being bitter about the winter weather, I began to embrace it.
Find that item, whether it’s a wool scarf to fight off the cold, a thermos for hot food on campus, insulated winter boots, or a reliable ice scraper, and buy it. Comfort makes a world of difference.
- For the 21+ Crowd — Go Out
Even though it’s going to feel like -9 degrees outside on Thursday, Jan. 29, take yourself, your friends, and your student ID to Pierce Bar and Grill on Pierce Rd for Pajama Day. Is it the nicest bar around? No, but it is free for students and a convenient walk down the road. It’s well worth the trip to enjoy music and make memories with friends (and grab a few drinks).
While alcohol is never a positive coping mechanism for surviving the winter, socializing is. According to a study in “Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology,” creating and maintaining a “social network” is one of the most important tools when it comes to preventing illness, both mental and physical. So drink responsibly, and have a good time with the people you care about.
- Go Outside
To maintain a healthy balance, be sure to plan sober and fun outings to fill that socialization need.
Make the most out of the snow and grab a sled (they run as low as $8 from Walmart) and take it to a hill at Hoyt Park in Saginaw or The Tridge in Midland City Forest. Or, if you have money saved up, hit a bigger slope and head to Boyne Mountain for an even bigger adventure.
A happy medium might be a trip to a local ice rink for a more organized, less expensive winter activity. There’s an outdoor ice rink in Frankenmuth that goes for only $10 ($13 if you add the price of skate rentals).
- Update your Calendar
Now that everyone is aware of all the fun activities to plan, go ahead and fill your Google Calendar (or whatever you use for a calendar) with plans. If you don’t have a system established for remembering dates, now is a great time to set one up.
Don’t stop there — add study sessions, gym days, and your class schedule to get on top of your priorities. A routine makes a world of difference in creating a manageable work-life balance that allows you to flourish instead of just surviving.
- A Final Note
If you start to feel the weight of the season on your shoulders, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are on and off-campus resources that are always available. SVSU’s Campus Mental Health & Wellness Center offers free short-term counseling at (989) 964-7078. Outside of regular office hours, support is available by calling the same number and pressing 0 to speak to a Campus Mental Health Crisis Counselor.
Off-campus resources include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, and local emergency departments such as Covenant Healthcare, (989) 583-5000; Ascension St. Mary’s Health Center at Towne Centre, (989) 497-3000; and Ascension St. Mary’s downtown, (989) 907-8000.
Winter in Michigan tests us all, but with these tips, it doesn’t have to be the worst.
Abdullah Farooqui