How to Deal With a Winter Slump
It’s no secret that February is a hard month for students in college. The excitement of a new semester starts to wear off, and the stress of midterms is creeping in. You’re not alone in feeling like this. Many students are feeling more tired and less motivated to complete regular daily tasks. This feeling is often called seasonal depression, especially when living in Wyoming. This often affects students more than we think. Not only does the sun set super early, but it is also cold and windy. This can make it hard to maintain your routines and keep high energy throughout the day. There are many different reasons why a person might be feeling a little off during this time, but here are a few tips and tricks to help you overcome these long, cold months.
One of the biggest reasons people experience seasonal depression is the lack of sunlight during the winter months. It’s common to see the sun setting before 5 PM. During this time, students are still finishing classes, completing their workouts, or eating dinner. It can be hard to walk outside and see that the sun has already set. The reason behind this is that our bodies need natural sunlight to help regulate our mood and sleep cycles. During the long, dark months, our bodies find it difficult to stay balanced day to day. Since we can’t make the sun stay up and shine longer, one thing we can do is take advantage of it when it is up. For example, instead of studying in a dark room, try studying by a window so you can receive some natural lighting. Another thing you can do is take a quick walk while the sun is still up. The tasks don’t need to be anything major; just small efforts will make a big change.
It’s not uncommon to also feel unmotivated physically during these months as well. If it’s snowing and dark out, it can be hard to want to leave your cozy dorm to go to the gym. While it is hard, it is so beneficial to try and make that effort. You don’t need to run miles or lift heavy weights. A simple walk can make a bigger difference than you might imagine. If it’s too cold to even leave your dorm, you can put on a YouTube video of yoga or stretching and do that instead. Even something as silly as dancing to your favorite playlist with your friends can be a major key to getting through these hard times. When you move your body, you release chemicals called endorphins, which naturally lift your mood. You don’t need to complete a perfect workout; just move your body in a way that feels best for you.
Another thing that people often find themselves doing during this time is isolating themselves. It can be easy to say no to going out or meeting up with friends. Even though it seems hard, you have to remember how much connection matters. When you are with your friends and laughing, it also helps release endorphins, which improve your mood.
During this time, it’s important to be gentle with yourself. Not every day is going to feel productive, and you might feel like you’re giving up on yourself from time to time. Remember the small wins during this time and all of the big things you are achieving. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or like you’re having a harder time getting out of the slump, reach out to friends so they can help you enjoy the things you like to do. February may feel long, but it’ll be over before we know it. Spring and brighter days are closer than they seem!
Sources:
Virtua Health, "How Exercise Helps Fight the Winter Blues and Improve Your Mood".
