Defeating the “Winter Uglies”: LHS Students Share Their Favorite Self-Care Tricks
As the days get shorter and Indiana winter settles in, many Lebanon High School students say they can feel the “winter uglies” creeping in—dry skin, bad moods, and that constant urge to curl up and avoid the outside world. But some students are taking matters into their own hands, leaning on small routines that help them stay confident and comfortable even when the cold isn’t so kind.
Senior Maya Michener says her winter pick-me-up is simple: a kept up tan.
“I feel better in the winter when I go to the tanning beds to get vitamin D,” Michener said. For her, that extra dose of warmth helps boost her mood when the sun disappears for days at a time.
Senior Lexi Tiefel is all about skincare.
“I try to keep my face moisturized to protect my skin’s barrier in the cold,” Tiefel said. She’s learned that the dry air this time of year can be brutal, so she sticks to thick moisturizer and makes sure to never skip it—no matter how early school starts.
Around the school, students are trying everything from hydrating lotions and lip masks to simply getting outside when there’s a hint of sunshine. Hot showers, cozy teas, and light therapy lamps have also made their way onto some winter survival lists.
No matter the method, the mission is the same, keep spirits and skin glowing until spring finally decides to show up. For now, small moments of self-care seem to be helping students push back against the winter scaries and stay feeling like themselves.
