Beat Them Winter Blues

By Brid Hanrahan

With the Halloween festivities over it’s starting to feel like winter. And I must say it’s not a feeling I’m enjoying, assignments are starting to pile up and exam season is looming, add the early dark evenings and some rain to the mix and I just want to go hibernate in my bed. Adjusting to winter can be hard so here are some ideas to help beat the winter blues.

Coldvember

Coldvember is an annual student led initiative, were every morning people gather at Salthilll at sunrise to take a dip in the sea. Running for the month of November the goal is to boost moral while raising funds for cancer care west. Nothing sets up your day like a cold water dip at sunrise followed by some tunes and a hot drink! Follow their Instagram @coldvember for more details.

Make Some Hearty Soup

Cooking as a student can be hard, but there’s nothing like a hot bowl of soup to warm up after a long day. And its surprisingly simple and cheap to make! This Carrot and Lentil soup is my autumn favourite. I recommend making a full batch and freezing some (your future self will thank you).  Easy Carrot Lentil Soup (30 Minutes)

Cosy Up with a Book and a Hot Drink

Nothing says cosy like curling up in a blanket with a good book. It’s a great way to embrace the rainy evenings. Check out Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop located in the Cornstore on Middle Street it’s a labyrinth of rooms packed from floor to ceiling with books. The claim to have over 100,000 books, both new and second hand so you are sure to find a book to suit. Pair it with a cup of tea or hot chocolate for extra cosiness.

Join a Society

If the winter evenings feel long, why not shorten them by joining one of the many societies or clubs. It never to late in the semester to join and it’s a great way to meet like minded people and make new friends.

Go to the Cinema

While it’s easier than ever to watch a movie at home, there’s something about a cinema trip that just feels like a treat. Check out the Galway film festival running every weekend until the 1st of December. Galway Film Society Autumn/Winter 2024 season | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Study in a Café

It’s getting to the time where seats in the library can be hard to find. Change it up by bringing your work to a café, sometimes a change of study location can do wonders. I might be biased but I think Galway has some of the best coffee shops, get some inspiration here; 8 Best Cafes In Galway In 2024