Feeling the winter blues? Here are some helpful tips

By Jessica Ferrarelli
March 10, 2017

Photo by Jessica Ferrarelli
Photo by Jessica Ferrarelli
Photo by Jessica Ferrarelli

Winter is often considered the loneliest time of the year. Individuals can feel lonely for many reasons including recent breakups, the gloomy weather and not seeing family and friends. But why are January and February considered the loneliest months and what can those suffering do about it?

Dr. Sara T. Maggitti, director and licensed psychologist at Cabrini University’s Counseling and Psychological Services Center, said that January is considered by some to be the loneliest month due to the holiday season and social gatherings ending.

“The phone calls and invites drop off markedly in January leaving them feeling pretty lonely,” Maggitti said. “It is also around mid-January that many are feeling the financial consequences of the holiday season as credit card bills are coming in.”

Maggitti also said that January leaves some feeling lonely due to the cold weather.

“The shorter days and dropping temperatures drive people indoors resulting in more isolation from others and less contact with people,” Maggitti said.

This is also the time of year known as cuffing season. According to Vogue, “cuffing season is actually the period of time between fall and the dead of winter when people start searching for someone with whom they can spend the those long, frigid months.”

“I can agree that some people might feel lonely this time of year, especially since everyone might be getting into new relationships around this time because of cuffing season,” Chris Lara, a senior chemistry-biology major at West Chester University, said.

Feeling lonely can have serious health consequences. According to an article from TED, “loneliness activates our physical and psychological stress responses and suppresses the function of our immune systems. This puts us at increased risk for developing all kinds of illness and diseases, including cardiovascular disease.”

So what can be done to deal with the winter blues?

Fabrine De Oliveira, a freshman business management major, tries to keep herself and her mind occupied.

Graphic by Jessica Ferrarelli | Source: Forbes

“Whether it’s pick up a book and read, whether it’s go out and do community service, I always try to keep busy and keep occupied one way or another,” De Oliveira said.

De Oliveira’s advice for those feeling lonely is to find something enjoyable to do such as reading or taking a bike ride.

“Just try to occupy yourself with things that interest you,” De Oliveira said. “Pick up your phone, call a friend and arrange something.”

When feeling lonely it is best to first connect with oneself. One suggestion from Forbes is to “take a walk but don’t just look around – notice how you walk, how you breathe, what excites you, how your mind thinks, what makes you you.”

It is also helpful to put energy toward something productive as well as help others. Another suggestion from Forbes is to “invest your energy in something you care about.”

Brunna Dos-Santos, a freshman biology and pre-med major, said that when she feels lonely she makes herself get out and do something.

“When I am feeling lonely I have my best friend and I call her,” Dos-Santos said, adding that she also turns to reading and music.

“Do something. Anything. Go for a walk, exercise, go to a coffee shop,” Maggitti said, adding that any small step made is a good move.

Cabrini’s Counseling and Psychological Services Center is located in Grace Hall, room 174. They are available by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or for emergencies from noon to 1 p.m.

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Jessica Ferrarelli

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