The worst time of year has rolled around again. The time of year when students haven’t reached the final stretch of the year, but are just barely halfway. The time when students are buried in a never-ending amount of classes, assignments, tests, and practices. Only further exhausting themselves after an endless five-day week, barely holding on to the two-day weekend, and then ending up right back at school on Monday morning.
So, how does the workload and season affect the students of St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School?
In a form sent out to the upper school, 68% of 76 respondents agreed that their mood changes during the colder seasons. 90% of respondents agreed that it is harder to stay motivated during the winter and the beginning of the second semester. When asked if they credited the season or schoolwork for the change in their mood, many agreed that both contributed.
Sophomore Charlie Cutler says it is harder to stay positive during school because it is clear that “everyone is tired and nobody wants to be here.” She sighed as she recounted what many conversations at lunch revolved around – mostly complaining about schoolwork and plans for Winter Formal, one of the only things students feel they can look forward to in the dead of winter.
Many students during this season say they struggle to find motivation to keep up with schoolwork. A senior respondent said they feel “exhaustion” and there’s “too much work” during this time of year. A freshman said they feel “not motivated” and often feel “stressed.”
When asked if they blame the school work or the seasons for the annual change in motivation and mood, respondents seemed to agree that school work during this season is much more intense, as well as there is a lot less to look forward to during the winter season.
So, how can students find ways to cope with the stress, schoolwork, and sadness of the winter season? We have some ideas.
Sunlight is very important for one’s mental health; if you can find time to walk outside it could be beneficial. It helps the production of vitamin D, which is crucial in regulating your body’s immune system, as well as producing serotonin, which is also called the “happy chemical.”
But during the winter season, some students arrive before the sun has fully risen, and leave after the sun has set, depriving them of an important vitamin.
Even if you don’t have time, maybe you could take a walk outside during lunch or STAT. If you’re willing to make a purchase, maybe order a sunlamp. The device mimics natural light, and it might be beneficial to have it on while doing homework. Finding a way to get outside and get some sun during this dark time or year, even for just ten minutes, could really lighten your mood.
If you’re struggling to find the motivation to wake up in the morning, maybe create a new routine to try out for a week. You could go for a run, make yourself a coffee, then get ready. Or you could make breakfast from scratch (or meal prep), and sit down to read the paper. It’s completely up to you, and you may even enjoy starting your day differently and making a habit.
On the weekends, find other things to do rather than scrolling through social media. After a long week of staying inside and doing the same draining tasks, it might be nice to bake some cookies or try a new craft. Taking time to do what makes you happy is so important.
An anonymous sophomore girl at SSSAS suggests “picking one day of the weekend where I just get to enjoy myself, and another day where I have to go back to work.” She also says, “after school, I take a nap or go on a run to recharge. After school, something that helps keep me going is remembering that I have already accomplished so much in the day, why wouldn’t I do another two hours of work?”
If worst comes to worst, and you feel drained in every bone in your body, focus on the little things. Break down your day into little individual steps that you know you can do.
Even though this time of year is wretched, you can still see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep trucking.
