While many can’t find the energy to do anything other than stay inside and nap on a cold winter day, winter can be a quite productive season. There are many ways to enjoy the quiet indoor months while maintaining focus and fulfilling responsibilities.
Reduced sunlight exposure and seasonal depression are two problems that can affect people during the winter time. These can affect mood, sleep patterns, and lead to many mental health changes, including lack of focus and limited desire to complete work.
People can overcome both these issues by going outside as much as possible, increasing their sunlight exposure, and exercising, among other solutions. Seasonal depression, however, may require stronger remedies, such as light therapy and medication.
Additionally, a study from Barry University shows that listening to music while studying, specifically instrumental or lofi, helps with focus. This is mainly because these genres are steady and don’t have lyrics or sudden tempo changes that can be distracting.
Gabby Cornejo, a sophomore at A-West, shares, “When I study or do homework, I try and get a dedicated work spot in a quiet room, usually my bedroom with the door shut, and I listen to instrumental music in my air pods.”
Finding quiet space and staying focused on work can be difficult, given a lack of motivation. However, music can help in both regards.
Keeping a consistent schedule is important for maintaining focus as well; do this by focusing on one thing at a time, making sure to take small breaks in between tasks. Additionally, setting a specific time to do homework helps establish a routine that can be stuck with.
When it starts getting dark at an earlier time, families are inside more often and it can be distracting and hard to focus on work. Many people go to coffee shops or the library to get work done without being distracted, which can be an effective strategy.
Physical activity can also elevate one’s mood by triggering the brain’s releases of “feel good” hormones, such as endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. In turn, this release can reduce stress hormones, improve sleep, boost self-esteem through accomplishment, provide a natural mood lift, lead to stress relief, and enhance confidence.
Winter can be a stressful month not only because of school and finals, but the poor weather that comes with the season as well. While everyone is different, following these tips can help winter feel not only more enjoyable but not as tiresome.
