During the bitter cold winter months, with the sky going dark by 4 p.m., many of us might have experienced what is referred to as “winter blues.” It is also recognized as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

People who experience winter blues are likely to feel seasonal depression-like symptoms. It may not even be a feeling you’re aware that is present at that point in time. Remember those times during bad weather when you happened to look out the window and couldn’t help but feel gloomy for the rest of the day because of how terrible the weather is that day? Those simple, easily dismissed symptoms could be possible examples of experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder can manifest themselves in multiple different ways. Some of them being having the feeling of discontent, loss of interest, loneliness, lack of concentration, etc.

However, if your mental wellbeing is something that is starting to concern you, there are some easy fixes to help alleviate some of the anxiety one might be feeling now that the weather seems to be getting nicer. One of the most simple remedy being fresh air.

Fresh air is something we all have access to, especially on a campus like Iowa State where no matter where we turn we’re bound to see trees along our trails. Not only is it a good feeling init self to get fresh air into your lungs but studies have shown to improve health as well, like improved blood pressure

A couple days ago we experienced some of our very first spring-warm weather. Many students gathered their towels and blankets and laid in the sun soaking in the warm sunlight. Everywhere you walked to on campus, students seemed be taking part in activities that kept them outside. Some did homework out in the lawn, others read books, played games and the list goes on. Everywhere you look, students carried bright smiles across their faces as they strolled about with their group of friends.

After spending long, cold months going back and forth between buildings without even stopping to take in some fresh air, one can’t help but feel an unexplainable sort of happiness when the sun is finally shining and you’re not carrying around a thick winter coat.

Now that the weather will be getting nicer, one should take the opportunity take a short walk outside, breath in some fresh air, or simply sit outside your residence and work on homework. You’d be surprised at how much a simple breath of fresh air could help. Sure, this might not be a cure, but it helps to some extent.

It’s important to keep in mind that experiencing winter blues does not necessarily mean you have depression, but it’s always helpful to consult a professional if you have any concerns. Although, you can’t solve all things with a simple inhale and exhale of fresh air, there are other ways to seek solutions like Student Counseling Services which are available to all students. Student Counseling Services provide assistance to students Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.