As the days get shorter and colder and assignments start to pile up, you can find yourself mirroring the dark, cold days that follow along. Why am I feeling this way? As unfortunate as it can be, it might just be that you’re falling into SAD, also known as, Seasonal Affective Disorder. 

It’s a lot more common in the Northwest due to the days shortening, lack of sunlight and the weather cooling, it causes us to stay inside to pass time and we can get stuck in this sensation.

 Although times like these can make us feel very alone it’s certain that you’re not. Many can go through this, even if it’s just a day or maybe even just a week. It’s definitely a hard feeling to get over since once you get up it may feel like you’re falling into its quicksand once more. But don’t fear it, instead face it. 

How? Some simple, yet effective changes you can add to your daily routine to help avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder is to go on a walk outside, or just exercise for a little bit everyday. 

You can also try to make time to be with friends and family throughout your weeks, being with others can help talk your feelings out, or just to feel less alone in general. 

Drinking water and eating a balanced diet can also help, hydration is a vital part of life, as well as eating the nutrients your body needs to help fight off illnesses. 

Trying to stay on top of schoolwork is also a major thing you can do to help with stress. Try to set aside an hour or so everyday to get caught up on assignments, just a little bit everyday can do a lot after a few weeks. 

A student who knows much about health and how to stay happy was interviewed in order to get some insight and get helpful tips, his name, Alan Hinkle. 

“You have to keep yourself growing” he says, “keep a growth mindset at all times if possible because it helps you view what you’re going through differently, it makes the sadness not so sad anymore.” 

Alan was also asked about what he advises others to do to keep negativity out of their lives at this time. “I think everyone should have something they lean on, something they feel passionate about so that they can feel good about it everyday. Something like doing crafts, cooking or baking, drawing, exercising, and so on. As small as it may be if it’s something you’re into or proud about it makes you feel better and better every time you do it, it brings you happiness.”  

“I think it really all comes down to one thing, that one thing is how you choose to view what you’re going through. If you choose to find comfort in sadness that’s how it’ll stay.” Says Kaustav Singh, another student at Tahoma High School. 

Kaustav also mentioned, “although it can be hard, the first step to getting over whatever you might be going through is acceptance. Once you can accept it, you can move on and find a solution.” 

Falling into this sensation and its loop can be stressful, draining and difficult, but you’re not alone!