Term two terrors: how to combat the blues as winter closes

As we get further into the new year, the idea of spring approaching is like a light at the end of the tunnel for many university students. Along with the chill in the air and ice on the pavements, winter also brings a feeling of low energy and a lack of motivation for many. If you’ve caught yourself spending many days tucked up in the warmth of your bed this winter, you’re far from alone. But why do these darker months hit students so hard, and how can we make them more manageable?

Shorter days affect our bodies much more than we realise. Our internal biological rhythms rely on light as a cue to keep everything in sync, so when it is 4 pm, and the sun is already setting, you feel like your day is already over. This throws off everything from sleep patterns to concentration. Add in the fact that going out after dark can feel unappealing, and it makes sense that many students end up staying in and feeling disconnected. The impact on university life hits hard for many. When you’re sitting in a lecture, and it’s already dark outside, it’s harder to stay productive. Work piles up, and suddenly those long essays are getting left until just before the deadline. This leads to many students feeling overwhelmed, creating a cycle of stress and low mood. However, there are practical ways to combat the winter blues and make daily tasks more manageable.

When daylight is limited, building a structured routine is important. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule to help with low energy. Even if only for a short period of time, going outside while the sun is still up provides you with serotonin, the happy chemical which has a key role in mood regulation. Staying connected, even in small ways, is crucial for combatting a feeling of isolation many of us feel in the winter. Quick check-ins, study sessions, or grabbing coffee with someone can make a genuine difference in feeling more grounded and less alone.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to feel more alive in the winter. Whether it’s a short walk between lectures or a long run, moving your body is key to boosting your immunity and improving your mental and physical well-being. If going out to exercise isn’t an option, explore online workout videos to stay active in your room. For the days when the weather is too tumultuous to go outside, sometimes the only option is to embrace the cold. Creating a cosy environment and having a movie marathon with friends can also be a beneficial way to beat the winter blues. Transform your space into something uplifting to counter the gloominess of the season.

However, sometimes it’s more than a seasonal slump. If low mood starts to interfere with your daily life, it could be something more serious like Seasonal Affective Disorder. If this is the case, it is important to reach out to your GP or a support service.