ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
WINTER 2016
FAMILY Connections HELPING STUDENTS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES Returning to campus after winter break can sometimes be a tough period for students and their families. Starting a new semester adjusting to a new schedule and new class expectations - along with the lack of sunshine, short days, and cold weather, often make it tough to keep your spirits up. At the RMU Counseling Center, we know many students (and their families) can feel stressed out at this time of year, so we've gathered some tips and resources we hope will help your student - and you - beat the winter blues. FIRST, GET SOME SUN Getting any amount of sunlight, even if it’s accompanied by cold and snow, can be beneficial for a lot of reasons. First, it provides us with Vitamin D, which is critical to physical health. But did you know that, according to the Mayo Clinic, exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin? Serotonin is strongly associated with boosting your mood and helping you feel calm and focused. According to the World Health Organization, getting anywhere from five to 15 minutes of sunlight on one’s arms, hands, and face two to three times a week can be enough to enjoy the benefits of sun. And don’t
forget, even in the winter, it’s critical to protect your skin with sunscreen if you’ll be out for any extended period! EXERCISE Make a point of being active on a regular, weekly basis. Although it can be hard to feel motivated when it’s cold outside, exercising is strongly associated with physical and mental health. Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of thinking that you can’t exercise if you can’t get outside, or don’t have the right equipment. Visit YouTube or Google for videos with ideas for exercising in your home with no (or minimal) equipment. Practicing yoga - which involves little or no supplies to get started - can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. But don’t limit yourself to what you can do inside! We love when we see students sled-riding on campus - and don’t underestimate how much that hike back to the top of the hill can get your blood pumping! EAT RIGHT Eating right has a lot of benefits, especially in conjunction with exercise! When it’s cold outside, it can be tempting to stick to “comfort foods” that really aren’t great for us. Regardless of what you’re feeling, what and when you eat has a great effect on your mood
Family Connections is a publication designed for the parents and families of Robert Morris University students. It is compiled by the Office of Student Life and printed in cooperation with the Office of Public Relations and Marketing. Editions are printed in the fall, winter, and spring of each academic year. We are interested in your feedback about this publication. E-mail your comments and suggestions to studentlife@rmu.edu.
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY FAMILY CONNECTIONS
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