We’re all saying it: winter is coming, and with it the winter blues. Soon enough it’ll have all of us in its clutches once more as we wallow in the sunless pit of North Dunedin. There are all kinds of things that are recommended to help you cope. My advice? Just touch some grass.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the winter blues since moving to Dunedin almost five years ago. Before then, I would have told you that winter was one of my favourite seasons. But there’s something about being a student in Dunedin that feeds the beast of seasonal depression: the constant stress of uni, poor housing standards, permeating cold, raging alcoholism, and probably the fact that many of us rarely venture outside of our bubble.
But an underlying theme that’s emerged in this issue is the healing effects of nature. Bear with me. While editing, I reflected on the ways I’ve kept my mental health in check during my studies. Not to sound like a hippy (or your mum), but there is nothing that’s helped me more than just going outside. Even better, getting the fuck out of the city. I hate to say it, but your mum’s right: fresh air really does help.
If you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps, staying in the same loop of home-library will not make you feel any better. Even just physically staying in one spot for too long can drain the motivation (and warmth) from your bones. If you have a car, or a friend with a car, or a Bee card, just go somewhere. Anywhere. Preferably somewhere you can take your shoes off, unlike the glass-riddled street you live on.
One of the feature articles in this issue talks to students who have walked Te Araroa, the trail running the length of Aotearoa. As one Te Araroa walking student Critic interviewed in 2020 said: “I appreciate and understand that people sometimes don’t have the desire, but for fucks sake, just get outside.”
The students we spoke to this time also emphasise not only the jarring difference between the bush and the built environment, but also the stress of “civilised” life that comes with it. The stress we’re all constantly under is way too normalised. Humans weren’t meant to be endlessly productive in a never-ending cycle. It’s taking away from our frollicking time.
So what I’m saying is: it’s okay that you’re feeling stressed and maybe a little depressed. I’d be shocked if you weren’t. And while you probably can’t change the cause of your stress or the shortening days, you can control how you look after yourself. It could be time to go for that walk in the Botans or check out a trail you hadn’t gotten around to yet.
Gryffin has some recommendations in this issue of the different places in Ōtepoti where you can be sad, and perhaps feel a little better (or worse, if you opt for the Maccas bathroom option). My recommendation? Put your feet in the ocean at St Kilda, and then sit wrapped in blankets with the homies, having a big fat vent through mouthfuls of fish n’ chips – you deserve it.