Winter can be fun for a bit, the holidays adding some brightness to a rather bleak time of year. But once the holiday lights come down, you may start to really take note of just how cold and quiet it is outside. It's no coincidence that the abbreviation for Seasonal Affective Disorder is S.A.D., because those affected by it tend to feel perpetual sadness and exhaustion in the winter months. Suddenly, it becomes harder to get motivated, and, for college students, that can be especially detrimental. If this sounds like you, don’t get discouraged just yet. There are many ways to combat S.A.D, and do your best to stay happy and motivated this winter.
According to Mayo Clinic, the decreased amount of sunlight we experience during the winter can throw off our circadian rhythm. It can also affect the production of serotonin, a chemical in our brain that affects moods, which can lead to depression. These facts prove that S.A.D is so much more than just “winter blues”; our bodies have a physiological reaction to winter. But you don’t have to be held hostage by those involuntary reactions; there are steps you can take to try to take control of your body and fight S.A.D.
