DECEMBER 30, 2022 AROUND TOWN How to be happy during the Michigan winter As the days become shorter and the weather becomes colder, it becomes difficult to maintain a positive attitude on life. The sun setting as early as 5 p.m. depletes motivation, and fatigue makes it harder for individuals to continue their daily activities. Some may even experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is due to the lack of sunlight the body receives, resulting in higher levels of melatonin, drowsiness and depression. In addition to the psychological effects, Northwestern Medicine reports that low temperatures can increase the likelihood of getting sick. The immune system weakens and becomes less effective at fighting viruses. Once there is snow on the ground, it becomes important for individuals to be aware of their mental and physical wellbeing. Luckily, there are ways to combat the dangers of Michigan winters. Here are some easy accessible methods that you can participate in to take care of yourself during wintertime. Considering how long Michigan winters tend to last, this season is the perfect time to start a new project with an end date in mind. Dr. Supriya Blair, clinical psychologist, suggests this solution to create a sense of excitement, curiosity and fulfillment. Having a goal helps individuals to stay motivated throughout winter as they attempt to accomplish their projects. Depending on the timeline of the project, this motivation can sustain people against the cold temperatures for a long time. Even the smallest efforts towards a goal can provide encouragement to continue the season with a positive attitude. This is adaptable for everyone as there are multiple possibilities: beginning a new workout plan, cleaning out a room, or setting a reading down and view oneself in a new light can help relieve feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Finally, those struggling to make it EMMA KIN U-M student contributor goal every week. This practice is very versatile since it is up to the individual to decide what they can manage. Staying accountable and setting small achievements can change one’s entire life during winter. Journaling is a creative outlet for people to release tension and worries by becoming intimate with themselves. When the lack of sunlight takes a toll on the human body, journaling can deliver self-care and contentment. Because of this, Dr. Blair also suggests journaling and making it a habit. What to journal is up to the writer as the purpose is to make one aware of one’s wellbeing. Many begin with a gratitude journal and answering simple questions. Some examples to consider for gratitude are to think about the relationships, achievements or lessons that developed during this year. Reflecting on the year is a productive way to stay mentally healthy since it helps lower stress levels and allows clarity of one’s being. Once again, this resource for joy is obtainable for the majority of people since it only requires paper, pencil and one’s thoughts. Even in this day and age, paper is an option though electronic devices have become the new norm for writing. Taking time to sit through the winter should focus on three components during their daily lives: exercise, diet and sleep. These three components are essential to having a healthy body and mentality. Exercising reduces multiple health risks like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers. Getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day is very important for one’s health, and everyone can experience the health benefits of physical activity. Although it may be difficult to afford a gym, taking a brisk walk outside is just as helpful as working out in a gym. Eating a healthy diet is just as critical as moving the body. An extra emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein energizes the body throughout the day, and the nutrients help cells to grow and repair, resulting in a healthier and stronger immune system. Again, cost for produce may be an issue for some, but there are resources available to gain nutritious food. The Maize & Blue Cupboard provides healthy and nourishing food to those who lack equitable access. They also provide cooking utensils and household items to support the community. Lastly, sleep is key for good health and well being in the winter. Getting between seven and nine hours of sleep is important for hormone and cell growth. It can also affect how well one thinks, works, learns and gets along with others. Because all three of these factors occur naturally, extra focus should be placed on these activities to avoid the effects of winter. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Fifth Avenue Studios To foster the creation of original audio content, AADL has launched Fifth Avenue Studios to support local podcasters, musicians, and audio creators in the Ann Arbor area. Want to launch a podcast? Record and release an album? Produce an audio drama? Visit AADL.org/ fifthavenuestudios and pitch us your idea! Fastest WiFi in Town Every AADL location has loginfree wireless inside all buildings and parking lots, available 24 hours a day. No restrictions, no monitoring, and some of the fastest speeds in town! FEATURED EVENT 5 POLICE from last page only established in the early 1990s. On a campus with a long and proud history of radicalism, university administration also hoped that police would crack down on the anti-racist student activism that had intensified in the late 1980s. Their demands have yet to be met. Today, GEO members are committed to creating a safe and just campus for all, just as earlier generations of activists were. Our platform for negotiations with the university includes the demand that U-M fund the proposal for a non-police, unarmed emergency response being explored by the City of Ann Arbor. Led by the Coalition for Re-Envisioning Our Safety (CROS), the proposal would create a community-based program and hotline modeled on the best practices of crisis response teams across the country. GEO is proud to be among the more than forty community groups — including mutual aid groups, housing justice groups, and abolitionist groups such as Liberate Don’t Incarcerate — that have endorsed the plan. DPSS’s over $32 million budget can be put towards alternatives such as CROS, as well as towards other beneficial ends, including: better wages for staff and student workers, better health and mental care, better support for survivors of sexual violence, or housing for the unhoused — all of which would be preferable to a dangerous, bloated and racist police force, shielded by unaccountable administrators. Sunday, January 29 • 1–4pm Downtown Libary Looking for a preschool? The annual Preschool Expo brings representatives from area preschools to one location on one date. Connect with schools in Washtenaw County and explore your options to find the best preschool for your child. For more information visit AADL.org/preschoolexpo
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