PISCES

by Haley Simpson

If you’ve been feeling blue since the time changed this year, there’s no question why. Some of us are all too familiar with the term seasonal depression. Every year during possibly the busiest and most stressful time, amongst finals and holidays, we lose an hour of sunlight. Not only do we lose an hour, but the earth moves farther from the sun, the UV lessens, and we launch into fall and winter. These changes have a major effect on your body. You no longer have the sunny summer rays fueling you. Less sun means less vitamin D and less serotonin production. So, take a short inventory before blaming yourself for stresses and woes. There are many ways to help you fight seasonal depression. First, find a way to get as much sun as you can. Take bundled walks, sit on your porch and bask, or consider a vitamin D supplement. All of those options will boost your slowly sinking vitamin D levels, in turn supporting your body and allowing it the vitamin it needs to balance your mood. There’s absolutely a reason that seasonal foods change, and your grandma’s stew is so comforting.

Second, pick up an activity. Whether you love pilates, barre, weight lifting, or running, winter is the time to increase or revive those activities. The increased blood flow and release of feel-good hormones will boost your mood astronomically and help you feel balanced despite the amount of time you spend indoors. Lastly, winter brings about lots of isolation that can fuel seasonal depression. Spice that up with finals and winter break, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for feeling lonely. Make an effort to see your friends and spend time with people who love and support you even if you feel down and out. Don’t let snowins and winter weather bum you out. Regardless of how you support your body and mind, understand that what you feel is natural. Dark winter days change our health. You are not responsible for the distance from the sun. The earth itself changes each season to adapt to the way of nature. From trees losing their leaves to the pattern of the moon, we also change when the sun leaves us.

1986’s Labyrinth is a uniquely charming children’s fantasy movie for everyone, and not just because of Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie’s star power. Labyrinth reminds us of a different way of making movies.

Many of the characters are puppets and they’re just one piece of the practical effects masterpiece. There’s something about the real, physical nature of the sets, goblins and trolls that just feels right, and it makes much of today’s CGI-driven fantasy look uninspired in comparison.

Labyrinth is a trip down memory lane, and for younger viewers it offers a fascinating glimpse into 1980’s filmmaking.