Featuring

Madeline Helmer Yugi Reyes

By Yugi Reyes

It's that time of the year again… The days are shorter and the weeks longer. You feel tired all of a sudden, and there's nothing you want more than to lie in bed. The big SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is a type of seasonal depression that happens every year, usually during the winter You might find yourself sleeping more and staying in: losing interest in things as everything around you begins to die It's important not to lose hope The sun will shine again, and when it does we should be there Here are some things I recommend to students:

1. Take a walk

Going outside is probably the last thing you want right now, but trust me Put on a scarf and a pair of mittens, make sure you're insulated, and go outside Take a walk in your neighbourhood, listen to the sound of snow crunching beneath your boots, feel the frigid air as you inhale Check out the snowmen you come across. Draw a smiley face on the frosted window of a parked car. Remember how magical the winter was when you were a child? These simple things made you so happy.

2. Ice skating

Grab some skates and hit the ice with some friends Race each other, fall and get hurt If you don’t know how to skate, it's never too late to learn!

3. Cozypilled

Staying warm is one of the most fulfilling things you can do when you're struggling with the winter blues Make yourself some hot chocolate or tea and snuggle up Bury yourself under a heap of blankets and comforters until you're too comfy to move Put on a video essay and hibernate

4. Bake

Invite a friend over and bake together, lose yourself in the pages of recipe books you don't understand Make the worst cookies you've ever tasted and laugh about it because we all make mistakes

5 Play in the snow

"NOOOOOOO you can't just play in the snow!!! You're too old!!" When did we stop being kids? When was the joy of a snowball fight ever lost? In reality, we are still thrilled by these little games we play Small pockets of happiness can be found in just about anything We are surprisingly good at finding them, and all you have to do is have a look around That’s the beauty of being human

edited by Yugi Reyes

anarticleby

MadelineHelmer

Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships is vital for fostering personal growth, self-awareness, emotional safety, and security. Boundaries act as a framework that defines the limits and expectations within a relationship, providing a clear understanding of everyone's needs and desires. By setting boundaries, people can create an environment that promotes respectful interactions and prevents codependency. Moreover, boundaries empower individuals to prioritize their well-being and assert their needs, preventing harm to their sense of self Without boundaries, relationships can become imbalanced, leading to conflicts, resentment, and a fundamental lack of emotional fulfillment. In addition, boundaries serve as a foundation for healthy connections, allowing individuals to maintain their autonomy while nurturing a deep and meaningful bond with their partner. Therefore, establishing and honouring boundaries is crucial for creating and sustaining fulfilling relationships.

Setting boundaries in relationships is essential for promoting personal growth and self-awareness When someone establishes boundaries, they are forced to examine their own needs, desires, and limits, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves. This self-awareness allows you to prioritize your wellbeing and make choices that align with your values and goals. Additionally, the establishment of boundaries creates emotional safety and security within the relationship Clear boundaries help make you feel respected, validated, and understood, creating a sense of trust and stability By setting limits on expectations and behaviours, boundaries prevent codependency and enmeshment (a form of emotional control that is achieved through manipulation), which can result in the loss of individual identities and a dysfunctional dynamic within the relationship

When it comes to setting and maintaining boundaries in relationships, there are several strategies that can be helpful. First and foremost, it is important to identify personal values and needs. By understanding what is truly important to oneself, you can better communicate your boundaries to your partner Clear and assertive communication is key in establishing boundaries It is important to express one's needs, expectations, and limits in a direct and respectful manner Additionally, enforcing boundaries consistently is crucial This means not compromising on one's boundaries and making sure they are respected Finally, seeking support and guidance from trusted individuals, such as friends, family, or professionals, can provide valuable insight and perspective when it comes to setting and maintaining boundaries in relationships.

Boundaries play a crucial role in relationships by promoting personal growth, self-awareness, emotional safety, and security By establishing and honouring boundaries, you can maintain your sense of self and prevent the erosion of your well-being Boundaries create a balanced and healthy dynamic within relationships, allowing for respectful interactions and preventing codependency and enmeshment They empower people to prioritize their needs and desires, while also nurturing a deep and meaningful connection with their partner. Therefore, it is essential for people to recognize the importance of boundaries in fostering healthy and fulfilling relationships.

edited by Iman Chaudhry