It is easy to sink into what many consider the “winter blues” as winter continues to crawl on, and the snow refuses to melt. Everyone is tired of walking on sheets of ice, bundling up just to get to class and barely seeing any daylight. Most people let these “blues” get the best of them and diagnose themselves with what their trusty friend, WebMD calls SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder.

As days become shorter and colder people become more depressed. They turn to vices such as eating more, indulging in carbohydrates, sleeping in and letting moodiness take hold of them. The negative effects of all of this include weight-gain, fatigue and overall unhappiness.

Now that February is well underway, in addition to the fact that Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, there is that glimmer of hope that springtime is on the way. But why wait for the season to change for your mood to change with it?

Here are some tips for keeping the glass half full while everyone in New England continues to freeze their butts off and chip away at ice and snow piles:

Smile!

Smiling will make you feel better. A number of research studies conducted at the University of Alberta in Canada (where its pretty freakin’ cold) have shown that making a facial expression such as a smile can produce effects on the body that are similar to those that result from the actual emotion. Look for positive things to grin about (the following tips might help).

Exercise

Staying active will help burn off all of those extra carbs you are taking in. Physical activity is also proven to help the immune system, improve sleep habits, boost energy and reduce stress.

Let There Be Light

Sunlight makes people happy, so take advantage of as much natural lighting as possible by opening up those blinds. When sunlight is limited as it is in the winter months, it is important to find alternatives. Before it gets dark, turn on some lights in your room or apartment. That way, when darkness falls, it will be barely noticeable. The light will help you keep energy up and stay motivated through the evening.

Avoid Binge Drinking or Eating

This is hard to do, especially since there is often nothing better to do while sitting around inside all day but try to occupy your mind and body by other means. If the temptation to snack arises, choose healthy, energy-boosting snacks like almonds, whole grains, yogurt and fruits.

Stay Busy

This will also help keep snacking to a minimum. Find wintertime hobbies, whether they are indoors or outdoors. Draw, knit, learn to ski or even find fun in shoveling.

Keep Your Sleeping Pattern

Maintaining a consistent sleeping pattering is important to overall health. In the winter it’s easy to sleep late and want to stay cozy in bed because it is so cold. College students tend to sleep late, skip class, and are then up into the wee hours of the morning until they fall asleep again. Get up, get energized, jumpstart that metabolism, and winter life will be more manageable.

Get Dressed

Don’t lounge around in sweatpants all day. Put on some jeans, cute boots and a bright top. You will feel better knowing you are one of the best-dressed people on campus just because you didn’t wander to class in your pajamas.

Ditch the Depressing Winter Playlist

In November and December, it’s all about the upbeat holiday jingles. Come January, the holidays are over, and there seems to be little to look forward to until the spring flowers bloom. Put on something a little more upbeat than your indie/emo/rainy-day playlist. Check out The White Panda, Ingrid Michaelson, Guster, and anything Top-40 to get the blood pumping.

Stay Motivated

Plan things to look forward to on weekends so you have something exciting to do after a week of school and work. This will make time fly and the rest of winter more bearable.

Relax, Read and Take a Deep Breath

Winter only lasts a fraction of the year. Embrace it and find the joys it brings. Find time to finish that book you started over the summer or watch those movies on your must-see list.

UMass will see green grass again soon, but for now, maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle for ultimate happiness. Following these tips will boost your mood and jumpstart you spring-time energy.

Emily McLaughlin can be reached at [email protected].