In the Loop Newsletter
Jan 22, 2025
Dear Huskies,
How is the Seattle winter treating you? You may have noticed that winter here brings chilly temperatures and shorter days. If you are feeling a bit down during this time, don’t worry. In this newsletter, we will share with you the science behind wintertime rhythm changes, tips to help you thrive during the winter months and plenty of UW and community activities that you can participate in.
Winter in the Pacific Northwest may feel differently depending on where you are from. If you come from a warmer climate, such as Brazil, India, Kenya or parts of Southeast Asia, you might find the wet, chilly days more challenging to adjust to. On the other hand, if you’re accustomed to colder winters, such as those in Canada, Russia or Scandinavian countries, you might appreciate the region’s relatively mild temperatures and miss the snowy days at home.
Regardless of how you remember winters to be, it is a good idea to prepare for what this season might bring. First and foremost, dress appropriately for the weather to protect you from catching a cold and keep you warm and dry in the Seattle drizzle. Second, the long absence of sunlight can take a toll on your well-being. Investing in a happy lamp (a.k.a full spectrum light) can give you a daily energy boost especially on the darker days. You can also check out light therapy lamps for 30-minute intervals at the Health Science Library for free. Finally, winter is a time for rest and restoration. Incorporating plenty of root and earth vegetables as well as warm soups and broths can bring you comfort.
Preparing for winter also involves finding joy in seasonal activities. We encourage you to not only brainstorm new ways to enjoy the season but also make concrete plans to spend quality time with your friends. As the academic quarter tends to pick up pace quickly, now is an ideal moment to reach out to friends and set aside some time to explore new activities together.
As you create a list of things you look forward to this season, we want to highlight a few resources from UW and beyond that might be of interest:
- Learn about the Wintertime Mindset: Dr. Kari Leibowitz, a health psychologist, explores how Norwegians stay positive during the dark winter months in her latest book. Listen to her NPR interview or read the e-book via UW Library to learn more.
- Take a Free Educational Tours at the Washington Park Arboretum: Explore the beauty of nature even in winter with free guided tours on the first Thursday of each month.
- Work Out at the IMA and Explore with UWild: IMA offers a variety of in person fitness classes and a massage clinic that can help you stay fit and relaxed. If you prefer something more adventurous, check out the UWild program for activities like sports climbing and snowshoeing.
- Go to a Husky production: Do you enjoy theatre, music or dance? Catch a performance organized by the Dance, Drama or Music Department at low or no cost! Check out departmental websites for exciting new plays, orchestra performances and dance concerts.
Additionally, we welcome the Lunar New Year on Jan 29 this year. Lunar New Year is an important festival celebrated in many Asian cultures, including China, Vietnam, Korea, among others. It marks the beginning of the new year based on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon. It is a holiday rich in cultural significance, symbolizing new beginnings, family unity and the hope for prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. If you are celebrating or want to be a part of it this year, don’t miss out on the Lunar New Year Fair at Wing Luke Museum on Feb 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Further, Seattle Center is also hosting a Vietnamese New Year celebration on the same weekend with good eats and festivities. Last but not least, check out CIRCLE’s Lunar New Year celebration below.
However you choose to spend your winter months, we encourage you to stay active, seek communities and find meaning in the colder months of the year. We also invite you to read CIRCLE Student Advisory Board’s first article where you can learn more about their vision and accomplishment. As always, CIRCLE is here to advocate, engage and support you at UW. Feel free to visit us in 250 Schmitz Hall every Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for office hours. Drop in and talk to a friend!
Community Resources
Stay Informed with ISS
ISS is here to provide ongoing support and guidance for all international students. They offer immigration advising and regularly compile important updates about U.S. government policies, tax filing requirements, employment opportunities and other essential topics. We encourage you to stay tuned to their blogs and emails for timely updates and valuable resources. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Explore Workshops for Personal Growth
This winter quarter, the UW Counseling Center is organizing a series of wellness workshops that aim to create a supportive environment for personal growth. Each workshop addresses a unique area of needs. Whether it is facilitating effective communication or building resilience, you will acquire valuable tools that can be applied in a variety of settings. Explore workshop offerings and attend the ones that speak to your needs.