How to beat the winter blues

Maddie Lemelin, Features/Arts Director

Dreary skies, bitter air, the remembrance of the Christmas past, and nothing to look forward to but Spring Break; after Christmas winter can hit hard sometimes after Christmas. So, this begs the question, how does one beat the winter blues?
Every year, about 15 million people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can cause weight gain, cravings for carbohydrates, and low energy. Plus, our bodies naturally put on weight during the winter, so along with eating excess carbs, we go into bikini season looking like bears.
1. Exercise– there’s no better way to feel good about yourself,  maintain your weight and stay healthy. Also, exercise fills your body with good chemicals and releases all the negatives ones.
2. Sleep as much as you can. When school starts after break, it’s nearly impossible to get over sit hours of sleep, but 7 or 8 hours is recommended. Go to bed at the same time, to maintain your sleeping schedule and you’ll have more energy throughout the day.
3. Eat Healthy! Eating properly has a lot to do with energy level. Unfortunately, bodies naturally crave processed foods, which lack nutrients and leave us in a negative mood. Incorporate complex carbs, like whole wheats, veggies, and fruits, and drinks tons of water.