The days are brief, the temperatures are low, and the need for some sunlight is rising every day. For many, spring could not come quickly enough at this point. The holidays have passed and now it is time to reduce the longing for spring and conclude this first semester.

Winter can be especially difficult for students, more than any other time of the year. The lack of UV rays can subside productivity and even have a reducing effect on happiness. For some, it might just be strenuous to overcome the shortened days, but other may have an official diagnosis of seasonal depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common type of depression that is triggered by a change in seasons, typically around late Autumn to early Winter. It’s possible to have a milder version of SAD, described as the “winter blues”. It’s normal to feel a little down between these colder months, when it gets dark early, and they’re stuck inside.

However, resources at school do exist, such as taking measures like talking to your assigned counselor about your symptoms or buying a sun lamp for treatment can be extremely beneficial in order to increase satisfaction and personal motivation. Self-maintenance activities can range from physical activities such as exercising and eating healthy, to mental activities such as reading a book or practicing mindfulness, to spiritual or social activities such as meditating or catching lunch with a friend. Whichever method is most beneficial, it is vital to incorporate your own ways of getting yourself through the icy, rough season.

Once the cold weather sets in, it gets harder and harder to crawl out of your cozy bed and look forward to attending your challenging classes for the day. Although, it’s important to remember that you have the power to change anything about your life or yourself that you have a desire to change.