I’m going to be real with you folks; this winter has been really hard. I’ve been struggling to juggle school, isolation, general anxiety and more. Things are really stressful right now; we’ve been in a state of constant panic and danger for a full year, and that fatigue was made worse by short days and cold, dark nights.
But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Literally.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve really started to notice the days getting longer. It’s also been nice and sunny, and the temperature’s been surprisingly moderate. All in all, quite a nice change from the cold, dark ugliness I’m used to in winter.
Now, I’m not going to say that a little sunlight is all it took to cure my SAD, but I’ve really noticed my mood has improved over the last few weeks. I’ve been waking up earlier, my energy’s been a little higher and I’ve been feeling a bit more optimistic. This has helped me be more productive, which helps with the stress, which helps me feel better.
I’ve also noticed that, because of the sunlight, I’ve been getting back into some hobbies. Reading by candlelight is fun, yes, but it’s hard on the eyes. Getting to lie on my bed in the middle of the day, in a sun-soaked room, reading about faerie murders on the streets of Toronto*, has been a crazy mood booster. I’ve also been taking more pictures of my books and plants, writing earlier in the day and spending more time at my desk instead of curled up in a sad ball on my bed.
I know not everyone is as lucky as I am to live in a place with a big window through which they can take advantage of the nice weather. But it’s been surprisingly warm outside lately, so if you can’t park yourself in front of a big window to get your work done, try going for a walk. Even 20 minutes outside can be a big help right now, and I don’t know about you, but I’m channeling my inner plant; I’m soaking up as much sunlight as I can, in case it gets dark and crappy again.
Even though this winter’s been fairly modest here in Waterloo, it’s still been dark and cold, and that takes a toll. I’m taking these past few weeks as a sign that spring might be upon us, and it’s been the boost I need to get me through the second half of midterm season. There are only two months left of school for us now, so go outside or sit in a bright window, soak up that sunlight and turn it into the boost of energy you need to finish the semester strong!
(*Intrigued by the Toronto murder-Faeries? A Dark and Hollow Star, by Ashley Shuttleworth, is an urban fantasy book set in Toronto that just came out. It’s super fun to see fantastical creatures eating Timbits and shopping at Starbucks in between faerie circles and murder investigations. If this sounds like your cup of tea, check out the book!)