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Winter Quarter Wellness: Tools and Tips to Support Well-Being

January 17, 2025
Aidan Chung

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Winter Quarter has arrived at Â鶹´«Ã½, bringing shorter days and colder temperatures. For students seeking to maintain their well-being during this time, Nick Jenkins, associate director for community-based interventions at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), emphasizes the importance of utilizing support systems and resources on campus. “It takes a lot to recognize that even if you don't need support, you would benefit from support,” Jenkins said.

Read on for proactive steps students can take to prioritize their mental and physical well-being during the winter months ahead.

Find Mental Health Support Through CAPS

As Â鶹´«Ã½'s primary mental health service, CAPS provides core services at no charge, including individual and group therapy, workshops and other educational programming.

The easiest way to get started with CAPS is through same-day access, a drop-in service available to all students on the Evanston campus. SDA can be used for any mental health concern, big or small. You're able to meet with a therapist and make a treatment plan with what's going to be most helpful for you," Jenkins said.

  • To participate, visit the CAPS office on the second floor of Searle Hall at 633 Emerson Street or call 847.491.2151 and request a walk-in appointment.

SDA is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. SDA functions on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be scheduled in advance. Students should block out at least an hour and a half to fill out paperwork and meet with a counselor.

  • For support outside of business hours, students can call 847.491.2151 and press “0” after the prompt.
Engage in Community and Activities on Campus

Finding opportunities to connect with others can help combat feelings of isolation during the colder months. If you're looking to build community and stay active, consider exploring the many programs and events hosted by Student Affairs.

  • Stay up-to-date with what's going on each week at Â鶹´«Ã½ by reading the weekly PawPrint student newsletter and website.
  • Visit Â鶹´«Ã½'s to discover even more events taking place across campus.
  • Follow us on social for the latest updates on programming: , norriscenter, soa_NU, , , , , , ,  
Try White Light Therapy 

In the darker times of the year, has proven to be a reliable treatment for SAD and other forms of depression. According to Jenkins, the light replicates how your brain responds to a sunny day, affecting brain chemistry in a way that can improve mood similar to how mood is improved for some people during the summertime.  

White light therapy is most effective when performed regularly and early in the morning. The Wellness Suite at Henry Crown Sports Pavillion (SPAC) has white light boxes available for student use, free of charge with no limit on the number of sessions they can access.   

“Anybody who’s coming from a warm weather environment to a very cold weather, darker environment has a higher probability of experiencing seasonal depression.” Jenkins said.  

Appointments are made by calling 847.467.2607 or by stopping by the Wellness Suite on the first floor of SPAC (2311 Campus Drive) Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Stay Active 

Physical and mental wellness is directly linked to staying active.  

“When seasonal depression happens, people have less motivation,” Jenkins said. “But the things that help with depression are basically everything the depression is telling us not to do.” 

provides a variety of activities designed to foster individual fitness and enrich student’s lifestyles. 

  • Work out at the campus fitness centers: 
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  • View the
  • Visit for on-demand group exercise students ice skating

For those looking to get outdoors, there are plenty of other ways to stay active this winter.  

  • Rent winter and outdoor gear like ice skates and skis through Norris Outdoors
  • Enjoy Chicago’s lakefront trail or try out a
Practice Mindfulness 

Mindfulness develops awareness and practices healthy responses to the everyday stress of life. Here are some resources for beginning your journey into mindfulness: 

  • mindfulNU: Evidence based approach to exploring mediation and mindfulness in a relaxing and reflective environment.  
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  • Weekly drop-in meditation communities: Student- and staff-led guided meditation sessions .
    • Sessions are held in Parkes 204, Wednesdays from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. and Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
  • Winter Wellness 2025: ReTreat Yourself 
    • Escape the winter grind and refresh your mind, body and soul. Join us for workshops, dinner and dancing on January 31 from 3:30-6:30 in Parkes Hall. 
student meditatingDownload Â鶹´«Ã½ Wellness Apps 

Â鶹´«Ã½ provides free access to apps that support mental health and sleep hygiene: 

  • Free, virtual well-being resources, including scheduled counseling, 25/7, on-demand access to mental health practitioners through TalkNow, health coaching and group sessions.
  • : The RISE app makes it easy to track and improve your sleep and daily energy to reach your potential. 
Bookmark Wellness at Â鶹´«Ã½ and NUhelp 

For more information on Â鶹´«Ã½’s wellness resources, visit: 

  • Wellness at Â鶹´«Ã½: A hub for students to navigate all eight dimensions of well-being and connect with various support services and resources.