Seasonal Shifts
As we approach the end of the semester and adjust to the recent time change, the shorter
days and reduced daylight can impact your mood. It’s completely normal to experience
fluctuations in how you feel during this time, and you might notice some signs of
the winter blues beginning to emerge.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it is thought that shorter days and less daylight
can set off a chemical change in the brain, leading to symptoms of depression which
often begin in the late fall to early winter months. Some of these symptoms include
social withdrawal, excessive tiredness, decreased ability to focus, increased appetite
for sweets and carbs, and more.
So, if you feel a shift in your mood during this time, here are some things that can
help you through:
Keep a consistent routine. Remember your everyday routine and habits. Getting enough sleep, keeping a good and
consistent diet, and moderate exercise are easy ways to improve your mood and overall
health and mental wellness.
Think about the good and show gratitude. Even on the worst of days, there is always something that you will be grateful for.
Consider making it a goal to write down something that you are grateful for at the
start or end of each day. You can do this by keeping a gratitude journal or writing
down things you are grateful for (big or small) on slips of paper or post-it notes
and put them in a jar or up on a bulletin board. This is a great way to remind yourself
about the things you feel thankful for on difficult days.
Exposure to sunlight. Spend as much time outside as possible, especially when it’s sunny! This can help
ease your feelings of seasonal depression.
Stay connected! It’s important to stay connected to the people in your life that boost your mood and
bring out the best in you. Designate time with your friends to do things you enjoy
together. If you are close with your family, scheduling regular phone calls or FaceTimes
can be helpful and provide you with something to look forward to! Continuing to socialize
with others when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed can help ease your stress
and is necessary for your overall health.
Utilize Resources. If you are struggling and aren’t quite sure how to process your feelings, make an
appointment with Tech’s Counseling Center. Tech’s staff of trained counselors is here
to support you with whatever you may be experiencing. Schedule an appointment through
the Eagle Wellness Portal (https://myhealth.tntech.edu/confirm.aspx) or try out their self-guided therapy app, WellTrack (https://tntech.welltrack.com/)
