How a California Girl Deals with the Never Ending Snow Storms of South Bend

The current view from my room.

Winter Storm Rex has come to South Bend and is depositing up to another six inches of snow. This is ridiculous! We've had so many storms this year, I've lost count. White outs have become a normal sight and this view is not the worst we've had. Crazy right?

I can tell you that it is not easy to keep up a good spirit when all you have outside is grey and white. Coming from the coast where everyday was normally sunny and warm, and I got to see the ocean at some point during the day, this bleakness is not idea. It really gets you into a slump and productivity is at an all time low. So there's really so much you can do.

From: imdb.com

These are my tips for getting through the weather depression:

• Light: Don't sit in the dark! Open those blinds up, turn on those lamps! Create as much brightness as you can. Despite it being dark outside, there's still some brightness, and that natural light will help. I know it bothers my roommates but when I'm in the room, I pull up the shutters and turn on some of the lamps in the room we're in. Don't hide in the dark! Let your light shine ;)
• Music: I like to put on Jack Johnson or Jimmy Buffett on days like this. Why? Well, because it's tropical and reminds me of home. Maybe even a little hawaiian slack guitar. It's light and creates a happier mood overall



Image compliments of
imdb.com

• Movies: These, like music, can be put on in the background. I have spent countless nights doing homework with Donovan's Reef, Mamma Mia, or Lilo and Stitch in the background. These movies take place in tropical climates and have spectacular scenes involving the beach and the sun. They cheer me up. Those three are my go to movies, but my roommates and I have watched countless other films like 50 First Dates or Princess Diaries. 
• Exercise: This helps so much! I'm not the best, because a lot of times I'll look outside and refuse to leave the building. HOWEVER, because exercise releases endorphins, you can't go wrong. I'm not going to go into the whole science-y part of this but I can guarantee you that exercise is a great option, especially if you are feeling some cabin fever. 

I'm sure there are hundreds of other ways to combat weather depression, these just work best for me! Also, relish the sun when it is out. I made the mistake of taking the sunlight for granted, so on days when it was very bright and sunny I would stay indoors. Now I try to get out and walk around or do something to soak in the UV rays. My roommates have told me tanning works as well.