Winters in Germany can be difficult even for people who have been living here for years. As days become shorter and colder, it is quite common to feel under the weather more often. It is important to recognize the signs and take time for yourself when you need it.
Here are some tips that might help you through these hard times:
- Stay hydrated: drink warm water with a bit of lemon juice first thing in the morning; make yourself a protein shake or drink a tea before bed.
- Spend at least 30 minutes outdoors daily.
- Open the windows in your room every day for a few minutes, it is important to get your fresh air.
- Light a candle or spray a favorite perfume in your room, just don’t forget to put the candle out if you leave the room.
- Reach out to the people you love, ask them to have a Zoom call, or watch a movie together.
- Do yoga at home, try a guided meditation, or go for a run.
- Read a favorite book for the third time or exchange books with your roommate and then discuss.
- Take a day off your phone and social media.
- Express yourself through art, create something for yourself.
- Write a letter home or login into your diary.
- Learn a new skill or start a new habit: go to bed on time, learn how to knit, or go back to a difficult subject from last year and revise it.
- Listen to yourself: take a nap, drink enough water, do your skincare routine. Little things matter.
- Look around yourself, see if anyone is having a hard time as well. Try to be there for them.
It is important to remember that we are in this together. If you are struggling, you deserve to feel better and there are people looking out for you. Take your time and try to be patient with yourself. Do not hesitate to contact the Counselling team even if you just want to talk about the bad weather.
Send them an email at counseling@jacobs-university.de
Find more information here: https://www.jacobs-university.de/counseling-intercultural-services
BY KREMENA TERZIEVA (BULGARIA) | CLASS OF 2021
