Chilly weather, shorter days can cause negative feelings
With the weather getting colder and the days becoming shorter, it is easier for some people to start feeling those “winter blues.”
Winter brings with it a lot of fun, but the changing of the seasons can also induce feelings of sadness and depression in some people. These feelings are often referred to collectively as seasonal affective disorder – or in simpler terms, “the winter blues.”
Get moving
With the sun setting earlier, some people may want to just curl up on the couch. Keeping active during the winter is key to maintaining a positive mindset. Remember that even though it looks dark outside, there’s still lots of time in the day to get things done. Getting vitamin D whether it be through the sun directly or a supplement can help. Moving around is also important for the circadian rhythm to remain stable and for the body to function overall better during the season.
Plan ahead
Try scheduling plans in the early part of the evening, between 5 and 7 p.m. Making plans to workout, see a movie, or just hang out with a friend can have a positive impact on mindset and help to avoid fixating on the time change.
“The time change has been hard, it has thrown the time off for my toddlers and I feel so trapped being home most days because it gets so dark so fast,” said senior psychology student Sarahi Mniz. “It’s like I suddenly don’t have enough hours in the day.”
Prioritize self-care
Having something to look forward to during these times can be a big mood lifter. Rewarding oneself throughout the week or during the month is a form of self-care, especially with the holidays approaching. Self-care tends to go down during this time of year as the attention for others picks up with gift shopping, hosting, etc.
Josephine Lara is a ToroWellness staff member who works as a mental health educator. Lara recommends being mindful of dietary habits, especially while studying for final exams. Eating at least one healthy meal a day (preferably three) will keep your body and mind going in good shape. A healthy meal will usually include vegetables, lean meats and poultry including fish and eggs along with fruit.
“The pressure of four or five classes along with other projects is really heavy and makes people feel unmotivated,” Lara said. “It feels extremely overwhelming.”
Make the most of time
Time management skills can also help to mitigate stress or the feeling of being overwhelmed. Lara recommends the Pomodoro technique, which divides work time into 25-minute segments followed by a 5-minute break. During this break you can meditate or take a walk. Some find it useful to take a 15- to 20-minute power nap to recharge.
“It might sound backwards but breaks help you become more productive by helping you prevent burnout and unmotivation along with helping you remember the information that you’re studying,” said Lara.
Lara also recommends journaling and other activities that support introspection. She said, “it’s important to remember the “winter blues” are temporary – brighter and better days are ahead. With the end of the semester fast approaching, students should do their best to stay focused on their goals and final projects”.
There is also individual therapy offered to students. The Student Health Center offers 24/7 after hour care so students can be connected when they need to speak to someone urgently.
