January, February and March mark the beginning months of each year. In Illinois, some consider them the worst months of the year due to factors like the harsher weather conditions or sickness outbreaks, but there are plenty of ways to push through them.
Stay warm and cozy: As temperatures continue to rise and fall, staying warm on particularly cold days is essential. Relaxing by the fireplace with a hot drink and a blanket is sure to calm the senses and help you avoid the cold. When heading outside, bundle up in weather-appropriate clothing like coats, scarves and boots to avoid illness and frostbite.
Set goals: Coming up with realistic goals is a good beginning-of-year motivator to improve your lifestyle or satisfy your wants. Considering how you will reach your end goal can push you toward achieving it—for example, setting reminders to do homework after school and putting your phone in a bin to remove distractions and ultimately become less of a procrastinator. Repeating this new routine regularly—or even expanding on an old one—will eventually be a natural habit which causes you to complete your set goal by a certain time, whether that be by a certain month or the year’s end.
Socialize: Having people to talk to can be a great remedy for the dreary weather. Making plans with close friends and family can ease stress, as there will be people you can talk to. Meeting at someone’s house, the mall or a local shop cures boredom and brightens the year’s start. Even if you can only call or text because of scheduling issues or a winter storm, it’s nice to have someone to engage in conversation with during evenings and weekends no matter the form of communication.
Take time to rest: While any time of the year can cause stress, mid-to-end of winter and the beginning of the year can be the most overwhelming for a person, so it is important to carve out time to relax and unwind, whether that be through enjoying your favorite media (music, books, television), taking a short nap, or jotting down your current feelings. It is important to set aside time for yourself and prioritize your mental health, which is usually at its worst when the days are shorter and colder like in the winter, according to an article by the National Institute of Mental Health.
While the beginning of the year is rough for many, there are ways to cope with the cold which include making plans or taking time to rest. Whatever you choose, remember to consider what works best for you and your needs so you can successfully handle the colder weather and make a satisfactory transition into spring.
