How Your Dorm Room Can Be Your Seaonal Mood Saviour

Winter brings an aesthetically pleasing charm with its snowy blankets, frosted leaves, and calming minimal tones. Yet, the reduced sunlight and shorter days often lead to seasonal depression, making it hard to appreciate this beauty as motivation fades and daily routines slow.

Staying indoors contributes to winter blues as it disconnects you from nature, and limits you from your daily dose of Vitamin D which best comes in the form of natural Sunlight and reduced ventilation and fresh air from walks or opening a window which all contribute to both our physical and mental wellbeing. 

however, with the limited motivation to go outside, creating a Seasonal mood savior in the form of your dorm room can help you combat and escape any ‘winter blues’ as you spend more time indoors during the winter season, your space must be a healthy place for you mental and physical.

Redecorating your space = Redecorating your mind

You have probably heard the advice ‘Decluttering the space around you can declutter your mind’ which is true. It’s important to create a space where you can thrive in moments when your emotions are all over the place, as it is the last place you come back to after a long day.

Making your space attractive to what you know attains to your needs is important so you feel relaxed after a long day or even a short day, whenever the moment is. Your environment significantly influences your mood and productivity because it affects your senses, emotions, and mental processes. This can lead to seasonal depression.

By intentionally designing your space, you can create an environment that supports your mental well-being and enhances your ability to focus and recharge. Here’s how you can transform your dorm room In into a sanctuary of positivity and productivity :

Add a “Vitamin D Boost” to Your Dorm

You might be wondering what “Vitamin D decor” means. The best way to explain it, is through the use of lighting. Mood lighting in your home or student accommodation can mimic the natural sunlight we often miss during darker months. Unlike regular lightbulbs,it doesn’t just brighten your space but also creates a warm, natural glow that can positively impact your emotional well-being. Much like sunlight, mood lighting can help boost your serotonin levels, which in turn improves your mood and energy. Think of it as a “vitamin boost” for your environment, creating a cozy and uplifting atmosphere.

While mood lighting can help set the tone for better mental health, it can’t fully replace the benefits of actual sunlight. That’s why it’s essential to maintain your Vitamin D levels for both emotional and physical health. Taking a Vitamin D supplement is a fantastic way to support your body during the darker months. These supplements are available in different forms, like tablets, capsules, or even shots, so you can choose what works best for you. You can easily find them at most local drugstores.

So, this winter, brighten your space with mood lighting and boost your health with Vitamin D supplements. Together, seasonal depression has nothing on you!

Create a Meditation and Relaxation Zone

” Having a dedicated meditation space in your dorm is like giving yourself a daily mental reset button. Even if it’s just a small corner with a soft rug, a cozy blanket, and a few personal touches like a journal or a favorite photo, it becomes a place where you can breathe and let go of stress”.

Dr. Kiki Ramsey

A meditation space is a wonderful way to channel your creativity and ask yourself an important question “What do I need in a place designed to bring me peace?” In winter, when shorter days and colder weather can feel overwhelming, having a dedicated area for relaxation becomes even more essential. The beauty of a meditation space is that it can be anywhere on your floor, your bed, or even a shared space in student accommodation. What transforms an ordinary spot into an Extraordinary one are the personal touches and meaningful items you choose to include.

In your busy schedule or overwhelming days knowing you can put your full attention any time of the week or day where you can focus on yourself is good comfort, especially on winter days which need you to take extra care of yourself.  

Creating a meditation area doesn’t need a bunch of expensive or new additions just items that uplift your mood and bring good energy into your mind.

It may look like including tools like a journal for reflection, a small speaker for calming music, a favorite book, healing apps, exercise equipment, or even a simple blanket to stay warm. You can also incorporate practices like prayer or mindfulness exercises like breathing, enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile, peppermint, or green tea, along with yoga practices , can enhance your experience.

The best part is that your meditation space becomes a reflection of all the things that make you happy a small haven where you can nurture yourself, especially during the colder, darker days of winter or facing seasonal depression.

The Power of Green: Plants for Mental Wellness

A great addition to your meditation space is plants or any part of your dorm

“Adding a scent you love, like lavender or eucalyptus, can make it even more calming. This intentional space reminds you to pause, reflect, and prioritize your mental health something especially important during the colder, darker months when motivation and mood can take a dip”.

Dr. Kiki Ramsey

According to studies, adding plants to your dorm room in winter can boost your mood and well-being. Plants such as peace lilies and ferns filter the air, making your environment seem cleaner and healthier. Greenery helps relieve stress improves attention, and produces a relaxing environment ideal for extended study periods.
Additionally, plants such as spider plants and areca palms work as natural humidifiers, combating the dryness generated by interior heating.

There are many natural and artificial plant alternatives for your dorm room. Consider snake plants, which grow in low light and enhance air quality, or spider plants, which are noted for their flexibility and ability to filter the air. Peace lilies are another fantastic choice, providing both beauty and air purification advantages. If real plants are not viable, artificial plants are an excellent alternative. Faux houseplants give a realistic and low-maintenance touch of greenery, and hanging artificial plants provide visual appeal without requiring sunlight or care. Artificial ferns or tiny trees also give your home a rich, natural appearance.

For an extra boost of nature inspired comfort, consider including a humidifier with essential oils derived from plants like lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile. These natural scents can give the calmness of the outdoors, creating a more inviting and wholesome environment.

A Brighter Winter Starts With You

Simple changes can make a big difference in managing seasonal depression as well as improving mental health. Simple acts such as adding plants to your area, making use of warm lighting, or creating a cozy relaxing space can all help to improve your mood and reduce stress. These minor changes produce a calming environment that reduces the impacts of seasonal depression, increasing positivity and emotional well-being.

In addition to these ways, several more suggestions for mental health can prove helpful. Check out this post on ‘10 Japanese Health Trends Every Gen-Zer Should Know’ and ‘Creative Therapies: What Are They, And What Are The Benefits?’ for more ideas to keep your mind and physical healthy throughout the colder months.