Squirrels have filled up their dreys, hedgehogs have stored up fat and bats have readied their roosts. As the nights get colder and darker, the animals around us are getting ready to stick out the winter. So, what lessons can we learn from these creatures in their warm, cozy nests?  

The cold dark nights don’t just affect animals, humans can feel the changing seasons just the same. Many of us feel fatigue as our bodies fall out of sync with the sun, especially after the clocks change. Whether you have experienced the ‘winter blues’, or you feel the effects of ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’, this time of year can leave you feeling low, drowsy, and irritable. It is only natural after all; your environment will always affect your mood. Our busy, active lives can feel fruitful and fulfilling, but when all you want to do is get cozy and rest, you could risk falling into a cycle of guilt about your missed plans and lost opportunities. How can you best set your expectations to stay positive and comfortable over the winter period? 

As modern humans we expect lots of ourselves, especially students; we juggle study, summative deadlines, paid work, social lives, and extracurricular projects. Our social lives flourish over the summer, we feel the pull of nightlife, summer nights are perfect for long evenings with your loved ones. In winter though, it can be hard to muster the energy to brave the cold for an overpriced pint, especially when you know it is pitch-black outside. This isn’t to say that you should become a hermit over the winter, but it is important to set your expectations early. You may find that social plans are pushed back regularly, it might feel hurtful when your friends cancel last minute, and you might feel guilt for doing the same. When setting plans, consider things you know you will feel ready for when you are feeling low or tired, places close-by, warm and comfortable. 

Over the winter months, your home should be a place you look forward to returning to. Keeping your space warm, tidy, and cozy can be helpful. Take some time to think about your bedroom or living space, do you really feel comfortable there? How can you make it cozy for the winter? Cozy autumnal or wintery scents can make a world of difference. It’s also important to think about your after work/university routine. How can you warm up and start to relax when you return home? How you do this is personal, but warm showers, comfortable clothes and soft blankets always do the trick. 

Your evenings tend to feel longer as the darkness drags out in the winter. It can feel boring, and you could quickly become self-critical, feeling lazy or guilty. It is important to make active choices to fill your time with things you enjoy doing. Bed-rotting can be nice, but falling into the trap of spending every evening in your bed and on your phone can make you feel low and sluggish. Watch that movie people keep recommending, listen to an audiobook of a classic novel, pick up that instrument you never find time to practice and learn a new song. Do whole activities, no matter how easy, that have a clear beginning and end; you might be craving the feeling of completing something. Collect little leaflets, letters, stickers and notes you no longer need and keep a scrapbook with diary-style notes to remind yourself of the things you have been up to. This can be helpful to look back on if you start feeling guilty about being anti-social or inactive.  

The food you eat can affect, but also be affected by, your mindset and mood. When we feel low, our feelings around food often change, so it is important to set up a steady structure around food if you know you are typically affected by the winter blues. It can be helpful to have a small rotation of comforting evening meals that nourish your soul and body over this period; consider foods that will make you happy, and foods you feel happy to cook when you’re feeling tired or depressed. 

Until the Winter Solstice on the 21^st of December, the nights are only going to get darker. This can be a bleak thought, but it is helpful to remember that the cycle of the seasons is natural and that this yearly change can be predicted and prepared for. Look to the animals around you on your way to and from campus, watch as they set up for the cold dark nights and ponder how you can do the same.  

If you are struggling with your mental health or wellbeing, don’t hesitate to reach out to the support systems around you. Contact UEA’s Wellbeing Team via Student Support.  

Image credit: Unsplash.