It is common to feel sluggish and unmotivated as the days grow colder and darker. It is important to know you are not alone as winter blues can hit hard, but with the right strategies, you can bring a little warmth and light back into your life.
The “winter blues” refers to a feeling of sadness, low energy, and decreased motivation that many experience during the colder months. This is primarily due to how the days get shorter in the fall and the winter, making people better in the spring when longer daylight hours return. The reduced sunlight exposure can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms and lead to lower levels of serotonin. The body’s production of the sleep hormone, melatonin is affected by the change in light exposure, contributing to feelings of fatigue. Spending more times indoors during the winter can also contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness, furthering the feeling of the “winter blues.”
School Nurse Mrs. Muller helps emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy habits and staying connected to overcome the winter blues. She highlighted the value of fresh air and sunlight, sharing, “The sun is actually closer to us in the winter, so going outside can help boost your Vitamin D levels.” She also stressed the importance of eating a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables and practicing self-care, especially during stressful times like midterms. She advised, “It’s crucial to maintain your summer routines, get outside, and step out of yourself for a minute. Call friends, join a club, go bowling. Just do something different or fun.” By staying active and engaging in group activities, students can avoid isolation and keep their spirits high throughout the season.
English teacher Mrs. Callaghan shared how spending time outside helps her stay refreshed during the winter months. She emphasized the benefits of fresh air and sunlight, saying, “Even the other day, it was snowing, and I was out shoveling, but I liked being outside because I felt refreshed. I got some Vitamin D and felt the sun.” Mrs. Callaghan also noted how the winter season seems to affect her students. She observed, “They’re more lethargic and not as excited or motivated about things.” To combat this, she incorporates a variety of activities in her lessons, like using songs or videos, to keep students engaged and energized during the colder months.
Physical Education and Health teacher Mrs. Giordano highlighted the noticeable shift in student behavior during the winter months. She says, “Students are more Ugg-wearing, on their phones, and disinterested in physical activity, more so than usual.” To help students stay active and engaged, she focuses on activities they genuinely enjoy and prioritizes open communication. She shared, “I talk to them about their feelings and do regular check-ins.” By creating connections with her students and letting them know they are understood, she believes students can find motivation to stay moving and maintain a positive mindset through the season.
When I spoke with students about how the winter blues affect them, their experiences reflected the season’s challenges and their coping strategies. Senior Morgan Blanchette shared, “The winter makes me more tired and it’s harder to get up for school in the morning because it is so dark and cold. Therefore, it makes me lose motivation.” Meanwhile, Senior Avery Molinaro offered the ways she copes with the winter slump, focusing on self-care. She states, “I lock in during the winter to take time for myself, make an effort to go to the gym, and make self-care a priority. I also like to journal.” Both students highlight the importance of recognizing how the season affects their routines and finding ways to either adapt or recharge.
Our school nurse, teachers, and students all emphasize the importance of staying active, maintaining a healthy routine, and prioritizing self-care to overcome the winter blues. From spending time outside to soak up sunlight and boost Vitamin D levels to finding joy in physical activities and connecting with others, their advice focuses on staying engaged and balanced. They also stress the value of self-care, whether through eating well, journaling or simply making time for enjoyable activities. It is important to remember winter is a season, not a permanent state. By finding small ways to bring positivity into your daily routine and surrounding yourself with supportive individuals, you can keep your spirits high until the warmer days return.
Take care of yourself and stay in touch with others around you. Every day presents a new beginning. Spring will be approaching soon, but until it arrives, keep shining through the cold!
