With the colder months settling in, students are making plans to protect their health on campus. Whether it’s bundling up for outdoor runs, getting enough rest, or trying to manage stress before finals, many are finding balance between physical wellness and mental recovery.

Physical wellbeing

With shared living spaces, crowded lecture halls and finals week looming, students face heightened risks of getting sick and dealing with mental health issues. 

Knowing this, students like Parin Shah, a freshman majoring in materials engineering, have made plans and changes in their day-to-day lives in order to stay healthy.

“I am going to be very active,” Shah said. “The cold is not going to stop me from walking or even running to class. I’m definitely going to hit the gym a lot as well.”

Seth Plagge, a freshman majoring in cybersecurity engineering, advised people to be smart about being in public.

“Avoid others who are sick and whatever they have touched,” Plagge said. “Try and stay away from areas that are crowded and from people who you know are sick if possible. Washing your hands adequately helps, too.”

Plagge struggles with staying healthy during the winter months and recommends that students stay well prepared in case of illness. 

“I tend to get sick a lot. I make sure to have medicines like DayQuil, ibuprofen and sore throat medicine on hand in case,” Plagge said. 

Managing mental health

With the lack of sunlight and cold temperatures that come with winter, seasonal depression is a prevalent issue across the country. According to the American Psychiatric Association, around 10 million Americans, or 5% of the country’s population, suffer from seasonal affective disorder. 

Dominic Rondeau, a freshman majoring in cybersecurity engineering, expressed how having a solid social circle helps with fighting off seasonal depression. 

“I recognize the struggles people have with things like seasonal depression,” Rondeau said. “The winter months lead to a colder outside and less exposure to sunlight, friends and family. I hope to surround myself with friends and those that I care about so I can stay happy. I have found that investing and caring about others is extremely rewarding for my mental health.”

Louie Vernooij, a freshman majoring in electrical engineering, explained his plans on how to combat seasonal depression.

“Mentally, I am just going to try and pace myself with schoolwork and take a few more breaks in between if needed,” Vernooij said. “I also plan on talking more, whether it be my friends or family, just to avoid any possible seasonal depression.”