Beat the winter blues

Need a mood boost? Students tell Russ Thorne that exercise, new activities and a little help from your friends can bring on the happiness

We've rounded up habits and traits that self-made millionaires and authors have identified.

The start of the year can feel pretty cheerless as Christmas fades and exams loom. However, there are a few things you can do before you succumb to an ongoing sulk.

Students report that one reliable mood booster is exercise: even simply getting outside in daylight and walking in the fresh air (which famously used to perk up professional nihilist Friedrich Nietzsche, and he didn't have the added bonus of Adventure Time on Netflix when he got back) helps.

Alongside regular exercise, mind what you eat. “My secret to happiness is to eat well,” says Edward Hollands, studying Business Studies at the University of Derby. “It’s well worth the time and effort put into creating good wholesome food. When you feel good you do well.”

A social network can work wonders, too. “The secret for being happy is to have a great group of friends who support you,” says Ross Elliot, studying for an MSc in Occupational Psychology at UWE Bristol. “They comfort you in times of stress and celebrate with you in success.”

If your network is looking a touch threadbare, take advantage of the start of term to get involved with something new. “A great way to meet people is university sports clubs and societies, where you also get to do what you love,” suggests Elliot.

Don't underestimate the satisfaction of managing your time well, either. “I’m generally happier when I’m on top of my work,” says Veena Kumari, currently studying Computer Hardware & Software Engineering at Coventry University. “That way I can enjoy all of the other great things that uni offers without worrying about things like coursework deadlines.”

Your university can also help, so see what services are available if you're feeling low. “Tending to wellbeing is key to happier students receiving the results they deserve,” says Reece Pope, Vice President of Welfare at the Students' Union at Bournemouth University.

Exercise, new activities and a little help from your friends can bring on the happiness

With that in mind, BU's 'Don't Panic!' campaign is designed to lighten the load ahead of January exams, offering a space in the union with tea and coffee, student advisors and even mindfulness colouring books. “We believe in encouraging growth and ensuring our students can be all they should be, and they can only do this if they are well rested and calm,” says Pope.

Finally, be kind to yourself and mindful of not pushing too hard in all directions. Gareth Hughes, psychotherapist and researcher at the University of Derby, says that the key to a happy, healthy balance is having realistic and flexible expectations of yourself and the world. “It's OK for things to not work out as you'd planned. You don't have to tick every box to have a successful life.”

It may take a little time, but make a few positive changes and happiness can follow. And in the meantime: huskies. YouTube. The huskies love you and want you to be happy.