Once the calendar hits November I often find myself taking a nap every day. While I could blame my hectic school schedule or the piles of homework in my bedroom, I think it is the weather making me fall asleep.
With little to no more sunshine until March, it is easy for humans to hibernate like grizzly bears. Yet, even though the cold weather is gloomy, dreary and downright depressing, please don't let it control your life the next few months.
Despite being a fan of the winter season, the cold and dark days are quickly adding up. I suggest preparing for the dreaded East Central Indiana forecast.
Here are a few tips:
The first is fairly simple. Regardless of the road conditions or temperature make an earnest effort to go to class. As a student who lives off campus, I know it's tough to wait outside in 10-degree weather for the MITS bus or to preheat your vehicle. But one day you are going to have a job and excuses will be hard to come by.
Furthermore, I know ahead of time there will be certain days where you will not want to obey your alarm clock and wake up. Do it anyway. I sleep in all the time, but I call that the weekend. If you happen to hit the snooze button, just make sure you have enough time to get to class.
Second, be timely. One should not disregard how the atrocious weather outside will affect your commute. We simply cannot put this behind us. Just because normally you can get to class in 10 minutes, that doesn't mean you will be able to when there are beautiful snowflakes and sleet falling down from the sky.
Give yourself extra time to start the car or wait at the bus stop. With vicious winds and icy road conditions, being careful and not rushing things is the only way you'll make it to your destination in one piece.
Third, be sure to dress warm and bundle up. I realize most students would rather be sun tanning in Florida or relaxing on a Caribbean cruise right now, but unfortunately it's not Spring Break yet. Therefore, put away the sandals, Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses and start (if you haven't already) wearing your North Face, beanie hats and hideous Ugg boots. Whatever you wear, make it keep you toasty.
Fourth, don't let the weather make you unproductive. Like I have said, I enjoy taking naps during the winter season. Napping is healthy, but don't let it interfere with job security or homework. Keep at your studies.
Even though it's not fun making the trip to Bracken Library at night in December, you may need to. True, it's not sunny and balmy outside, but continue to work hard and find the motivation to get through these chilly times.
Finally, there is the health issue. Make sure you have plenty of tissues, ibuprofen, cough drops and soup. More than anything try to stay in good condition. That might even mean switching out cups every time you play beer pong. I wouldn't trust your teammate.
In addition, relax, get plenty of sleep and don't over do it. The human body is fragile, and we should treat it as such. Load up on fruits and vegetables and abuse the Vitamin C. Besides, it will make you feel better and give the employees at the health clinic a deserved break.
In the end, be prepared to take things more slowly. I think it is harder to be more productive during the winter season, but that doesn't mean humans still can't be efficient. If you don't let the weather completely control who you are or how you go about doing your business, I think you can successfully survive the winter.
If anything, this is just part of living in Indiana and being a Hoosier. So, good luck!
Jason Marer is a junior social studies education major and writes 'Think to Exist' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Jason at jsmarer@bsu.edu
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