As we progress through the school year and get closer to winter break, the weather gets chillier and the sky becomes darker earlier. If you are anything like me, you absolutely hate the drop in temperatures and the sun setting by five o’clock. As much as we crave summer beaches and sunnier days, we cannot do anything to change the current temperatures and time change. We can, however, embrace it, ultimately helping ourselves stay positive during the dreary season.

• 

  Get in the Holiday Spirit

One of my favorite ways to stay positive during the weather and time change is getting in the holiday mood. How could you feel negative when you think about the holidays? Gather up all your favorite holiday songs and make a giant playlist that you listen to during the season. Host a holiday event with all your closest friends where you could have a secret Santa, watch nostalgic movies, and even have everyone partake in a gingerbread decorating contest. Ice skating is also one of my favorite holiday activities that can be fun with both friends and family. All these holiday festivities will help you stay positive during the gloomy season.

• Form a Workout Routine

When temperatures drop and it gets darker earlier, we start becoming less inclined to work out and let our bodies move.

Sometimes the urge to crawl into bed after a frosty day at school can be quite tempting, especially since it’s practically dark by the time we get home. As alluring as jumping in bed can be, we have to force ourselves to overcome it to better ourselves. To stay positive, I recommend starting a sport or some kind of workout if you do not already do so. If you would like something that can be easy to maintain, I recommend something as simple as a daily walk, especially if you have a furry friend at home. If you would like to commit to something a little more strenuous, Pilates is a great choice. Pilates is an indoor workout that also can be great if you really hate the cold. You can do a wide range of sports and workouts; however, what is most important is that you stay consistent! Even when you are having a hard time sticking to your commitments, it is imperative that you continue to do so daily. By continuing to do so, you will most definitely feel much more accomplished this winter season and therefore help yourself become more productive.  

• 

  Indulge in Self-Care

As much as you likely hear it, it is very beneficial and important to take care of yourself. It can be extremely easy to neglect yourself as the gloomy season approaches; nonetheless, try your absolute best to continue prioritizing your wellness. Additionally, besides doing the basic self-care—making sure you don’t overwork yourself and forming a constant sleep schedule—you may also perform other acts of self care. My personal favorite is a warm bath with scented candles and my favorite playlist. This form of self care helps me look forward to something after a long day of school. If you are not interested in baths, there’s a lot of other things you can do to treat yourself. These small acts of self-care include setting aside ten minutes every day to journal, doing daily skincare, and getting your nails done every now and then. As little as all these acts may seem, they can make all the difference in your mood and productivity during the winter months. 

All in all, it is very much doable to stay positive and productive with the time change and colder weather. Getting in a holiday mood, forming a workout routine, and indulging in self-care are all great ways to remain the best version of yourself this winter. Hopefully you now have an optimistic outlook on the current season and have gained the ability to stay productive as the temperature drops and the weather becomes colder!