Gray skies and chilly temperatures ever get you down? You’re probably not the only one. Many UO students — particularly those from warmer climes — struggle with the winter blues.

In ancient times, winter was a season for staying inside, making art and telling stories. Stories are not just for our amusement and escape. Great stories can feed our souls, connecting us to the larger web of life. Winter can be a time to curl up with a good book or a great movie. Or a time to enjoy candle-lit dinners with friends. The UO Craft Center is a wonderful place to discover and explore your artistic side.

Winter can challenge us to stay active – especially those who enjoy the outdoors. The lack of activity can drag down our spirits since we know that exercise enhances mood and burns off stress.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay active during the winters here. The UO Rec Center has reopened, offering workouts, swimming and intramurals. Also, you might consider an outing to the mountains through the UO Outdoor Program. They offer a number of ski, snowboarding and hiking trips to meet everyone’s tastes. They also rent equipment at greatly reduced rates. This can be a great way to get out in the winter and make new friends.

You may not realize it but some of the most beautiful days at the Oregon Coast are to be had during the winter. Sunny days with little or no wind and few tourists. The second half of March is a great time for whale watching too.

So if you think of winter as a bleak time that you have to slog through, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zones and try something new. You may be surprised by what you discover.