And So It Begins…
Well, I think it is safe to say that the winter season is looming above us. Late last night was the first snowfall. While taking a break from homework and perusing Facebook, I noticed a few statuses announcing the falling flurries outside. Being in denial of the approaching Minnesota winter, I skeptically looked out my window and sure enough, it was snowing.
Upon witnessing this tragic sight, I did NOT post SNOW!!! as my Facebook status. I did not run outside and dance in the snowflakes. I did not start playing Mariah Carey holiday classic “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” I am a strong believer that the holiday season begins the day after Thanksgiving. One holiday at a time people!
So, because of the winter winds and cold sleet that persisted throughout the morning, my puffy winter coat was pulled out of my closet and my warm, cozy scarf bundled me into my jacket. I was lucky enough to have an 8 AM Statistics class over on the other end of the world, South Campus. While making the arduous trek to the South Pole-er, I mean South Campus-I shed soft tears about the cold months ahead in the not-too-distant future. (I didn’t actually cry. I am just a drama queen.)
I actually have some good ideas on how to stay warm and avoid Jack Frost’s icy spell over UST’s campus.
- Don’t be afraid to bundle up. I remember in high school it was TOTALLY uncool to wear your coat to school, so everyone would grin and bear the winter winds and falling snow whenever being outside was necessary (a total of about 3 minutes on a normal day). Here in college, you’re outside a lot walking to class or going to eat, to name a few. Another part about college is NO ONE CARES HOW YOU DRESS. So please, spare the teeth chattering and constant goosebumps and invest in a warm winter coat, scarf, mittens, hat, etc. Anything that will keep you toasty during your outdoor escapades.
- Long Underwear. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy. But it’s a genius way to stay warm without wearing snowpants to class. My best friend Emily swears by this during the winter months whenever she needs to make the long walks to class. I’m telling you, I’ve never heard her complain about the chill of winter and I’m thinking it’s because of this foolproof tip.
- Vitamin D. This doesn’t have to do so much with staying warm, but if the winter blues have got you down, this is meant for you! We all know that as winter sets in, we all experience less and less daylight. This can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (my psychology concept for the day). With this change of season, people experience more depressed feelings because of the lack of vitamin D from the absence of sunlight. However, by taking over-the-counter supplements, you can boost your vitamin D intake daily so as to help avoid S.A.D. (that’s a pun if I’ve ever seen one). I take these daily and I’ve been feeling better than ever, even in the surrounding darkness!
- Wool Socks. Enough said.
Freshman Year Snow Day!!!! In APRIL. Sorry for bad picture quality!
Well, there you have it. Some of my own tips for keeping warm and toasty during the colder months of Minnesota. Which is pretty much every month except July.