January Blues Buster

Tired? Hungry? Skint? Exam stress? Yep, that sure sounds like January. If you’re hunkered down in your student accommodation in Swansea, wondering why the winter months don’t just give up already, you’re not alone. So many of us struggle with a low mood during January. Not only is it one of the longest months of the year, it’s also one of the darkest, one of the most frugal and a time when we’re wrestling with resolutions versus reality. That’s why we’ve come up with some smart hacks to beat those winter blues. From getting the right dose of vitamin D to embracing the beauty of winter, here are some ways to boost your mood and feel better! 

Get outside

Yes, we know that it can be tempting to curl up in your student accommodation in Swansea and not consider leaving until spring. But getting outside, even briefly, can make a huge difference to how you feel. Morning light is especially beneficial: stepping out within the first hour of waking helps regulate your circadian rhythm (your natural sleep/wake cycle) and signals your brain to release cortisol, which gears your body up to start the day. Alongside cortisol, exposure to morning sun releases serotonin, which can help to boost mood.

It doesn’t have to be for long – it could be your walk to uni or a pavement coffee with a mate, wrapped up warm – just whatever you fancy doing to hit that target and set yourself up the right way for the day ahead.

...but also embrace the hibernating instinct!

One of the so-called worst things about January – that it’s cold and dark and there’s nothing going on – can also be the best thing about January. Generations ago, this would have been a time when people would have naturally slowed down and retreated indoors. Don’t feel bad about embracing this natural urge, just make sure you do it right! It’s less about not getting out of bed at all and more about making your time indoors special.

Hit the bargain shops to find warm and comforting accessories to cosy up your student accommodation. Swansea has B&M, Dunelm and The Range, which are all great places to find snuggly blankets, cushions and ambient lighting. Then stock up on some of your favourite treats, whether it’s a luxury hot chocolate, face masks or a new video game, and revel in some quality hibernation time.

Find the beauty in winter

It may feel like an ordeal that just needs to be tolerated, but winter offers a gorgeous aesthetic that’s unmatched by the other seasons. Whether it's snow-dusted branches, mist rolling over the riverbank, magical dawns where the sky is pink, orange and purple, or crystal-clear starry skies, there’s beauty all around if you go out and look. Organise a wintery walk along Three Cliffs Bay with your friends or go star gazing at Gower. Reminding yourself that winter does come with its perks can really help to shift a negative mindset about this time of year.

Hit your daily D requirement

Vitamin D isn’t just vital for healthy bones, teeth and muscles, it also supports our immune system and can boost our mood and energy levels. During the lighter months, we get most of the vitamin through sun exposure. However, this is obviously much harder in January, so make sure you get a good amount of vitamin D in your diet by incorporating things like salmon, red meat, eggs and leafy greens. The NHS also recommends taking a daily 10 microgram (400IU) supplement during autumn and winter (or throughout the year if you have dark skin) to ensure you’re hitting the recommended amount.

Stay social

When you’re feeling low, it’s easy to retreat into your room and withdraw from others. But in the darker months, being around other people can really help to lift your spirits. Whether it’s cooking dinner together, a group workout or a games night, making an effort to spend time with your housemates will make you feel more connected and happier.

And with welcoming communal spaces, a gym, cinema and garden, not to mention a full calendar of social events, true student accommodation Swansea has all you need to keep you active and feeling more like yourself, in January and all year round.

If you like the sound of our social spaces, you’ll love the look of our rooms too. Whether you opt for an apartment or studio, you’ll enjoy an en-suite double bedroom, smart TV, desk, chair and plenty of storage space, as well as well-equipped shared kitchens and comfortable dining and lounge areas. Come and find out more: true student accommodation Swansea