Many Minnesotans often feel the effects of these cold, dark months. Long winters commonly cause us to feel a bit down, something referred to as “the winter blues” or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to The Mayo Clinic symptoms of SAD can start in late fall or early winter.
You might wonder why you feel like this or that it’s just you, but you’re not alone. Students at RAHS also experience similar mood changes.
Keira White, a sophomore here at RAHS, has simply put it that “the winter months overall put me in a bad mood.” and states she is stuck in a boring routine every day I come home from school, have a few hours of homework, get to bed, and do the same thing over again.” Which she claims is mentally exhausting.
White goes on to say she prefers summer as there is no stress from school, “I can just be outside living my best life,” she says.
Lillian Kempton, a sophomore here at RAHS, has similar thoughts: “I feel happier in the summer because I have more time to do my sport. The winter months don’t necessarily bother me; I think it’s pretty, but I just don’t like freezing my hands off. She also adds how she stays content during the season. “I usually just watch shows to cheer myself up.”
Another student, Lucia Harper, a freshman at RAHS, has shared a few things she does to help keep her happiness up. “I like to listen to uplifting music and hype music, and also going outside and seeing the sun.”
Harper also adds that she tried a new winter sport and tries her best to embrace the weather as much as she can.
“A major change I’ve done this year is I’ve joined a winter sport that spends time outside during the day, and you know it’s embracing the winter and doing what you can do to embrace the cold and snow, weirdly, like romanticizing it a little bit”.
Harper then adds the things she admires about winter, and how it really can be beautiful, and she expresses her love for not only the coziness of being inside, but also doing something fun with your friends outdoors as well.
And some friendly advice from Veronica Billing, similar to Lucia Harper, recommends that maybe people should “ find things to appreciate about winter instead of waiting for summer.” She clarifies that people should find hobbies or just something that they couldn’t do in the spring or summer, and so they have something to actually thank winter for.
According to UC Davis Health, these are some ways to improve your mood.
- Make a habit of going for a daily walk, providing a change of scenery
- Plan enjoyable activities and stick to those commitments.
- Get social with friends and family. Tell your family and friends about how you’re feeling. They can help keep you accountable to your commitments.
- Do something kind or helpful for someone else.
- Physical activity. It really doesn’t have to be hard exercise, but moving your body will provide benefits.
It is never a bad idea to seek out help from others. Your teachers here at RAHS, friends, and family are there to support you. The days are getting longer, and soon the weather will get warmer. Spring is approaching!
