Good Vibes on Gray Days: Mindful Ways to Navigate Student Life in Autumn and Winter
Hannah
Gray days don’t have to feel gloomy. With friends, movement, and little self-care rituals, you can stay balanced and make the most of your semester.
The clocks have changed, the evenings are getting darker, and the weather is gloomier.
Now that we’re fully in autumn, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a hot drink and a good book.
But for many of us, that’s only a small part of reality. Especially when university life is busy, family and old friends are far away, and the sun rarely shows up, keeping your mental health in balance can be a real challenge.
Personally, the start of the dark season is difficult for me every year. Between rainy mornings and gray skies, the days feel heavier, and my optimism fades. The more I talk about this with friends and fellow students, the more I realize that many young people feel the same way.
That’s why it’s especially important in autumn and winter to build a stable support network. This article will explore how to do that.
Friends and Family
I’ve already written a lot on THE FIZZ blog about friendships: how to make new friends, why friendships matter, and how to stay connected over long distances.
The reason is simple: friendships are good for us!
Especially when we’re feeling down, talking with and spending time with friends can work wonders. Whether it’s a quiet moment to share what’s going on or a spontaneous adventure to take your mind off things, friendships and shared time strengthen us. Of course, if you have a close bond with your family, they can be just as valuable.
Make a conscious effort to connect with friends or family—ideally in person, but a call or video chat can also brighten your day and chase away some of the winter gloom.
Exercise and Fresh Air
Both exercise and time in nature benefit the body and mind simultaneously. Whether you sign up for a sports class at university, take walks, do a short workout at home, or bike to campus, small active habits can make daily life feel more balanced and joyful.
Don’t be afraid to try new things: Is a yoga session at home right for you? Or maybe strength training at the gym? Perhaps it’s hard for you to exercise regularly, but on weekends you enjoy long walks in the countryside. Or you grab your friends and go swimming, climbing, or play soccer. Find something you enjoy and can stick with.
Exercise can look different for everyone, but it’s beneficial in every case!
Breaks and Small Joys
Exercise and social time aren’t the only things that can lift your mood. Some days, there simply isn’t time for activities, or you don’t have the energy. These are the moments when it’s perfectly fine to treat yourself to a small joy. Take a moment to find something that makes you smile.
For me, that means taking enough time for a nice breakfast. When I get up and make myself a bowl of porridge with apples and cinnamon, I feel a little lighter all day because I know I’ve done something good for myself.
When the sun peeks through the clouds, I take a minute to look outside and enjoy it.
These little joys can look different for everyone. Maybe it’s nice study materials for university, an hour in the evening to play a video game, leaving the house a bit earlier to take a nicer route, or listening to your favorite songs in the morning.
Take the time to enjoy the small things that brighten your day, and don’t forget to give yourself both small and larger breaks.
Listen to Yourself
At the end of the day, it’s especially important to listen to yourself. Take time to reflect: What makes you feel good? What worries you? And how could you work on it?
Many people find it helpful to keep a journal, whether digital, handwritten, creatively designed, or even as a voice memo. Putting your thoughts into words helps organize the chaos in your head.
Even though it can be hard to embrace the winter mood, it’s very helpful to discover which habits make you feel good. Only you can decide what’s right, so take the time to figure that out.
With the right mix of friendship, exercise, and self-care, even gray days can be beautiful—and your semester a success!
All photo rights by International Campus GmbH.