As temperatures drop, study habits shift, life slows, and the battle between staying productive and staying under the blankets begins. The air turns crisp, and leaves begin to crunch beneath every step, there begin to be subtle but noticeable changes happening on campus. The morning commute to class now comes with obstacles

Dropping temperatures come with dropping motivation

What comes along with the cooler weather is shorter days, and mornings start to feel longer and less important to students. The alarm rings before the sun rises and the outside world feels cold and uninviting. Motivation can be one of the first casualties of the cooler weather settling in.

Addison Graling, a therapeutic recreational student, says the cooler weather has a noticeable impact on her daily routine. “With colder weather comes shorter days, and getting out of bed some days is really hard when it’s still dark out and my motivation is not all the way there,” she said.

Graling says her daily routine changes once the daylight hours shrink. The lack of sunlight and warmth can take a toll on students’ mood, productivity and leave students feeling uncertain about finding a drive towards success, Graling says this is what she struggles with during the cold season.

Mental health becomes a struggle

The shorter and cooler days not only influence energy and motivation levels, but they also affect the mental well-being of many. This is commonly known as the “winter slump.”

With the cooler weather approaching right around midterms and heavier workloads, the inevitable slump springs up in many students.

Taking a few minutes in sunlight and connecting with friends or family can help reduce the strain of the slump on your mental health.

Commutes become a challenge

As it starts to become colder with the days going by, snow is on everyone’s minds. We now need to think about weather and road conditions when commuting to and from campus.

Dustin Forster, a natural resource compliance student, says winter comes with many obstacles, “I have to start thinking about how long it will take me to get from point A to point B with icy and snowy roads.”

Wet, icy, and snowy roads and sidewalks can put a pause on people’s lives. Students on and off campus find themselves leaving early and bundling up for the unpredictable weather conditions.

Winter expenses

As the snow begins to creep up, many people have the thought of the expenses that come along with it.

Buying proper winter clothing is important and has become a necessity, but now some people are struggling to afford these vital items. Going to local thrift stores to get second-hand items is an option for those who are struggling to find affordable and cared-for items.

Winter tires are a necessity to handle and hold onto the slick roads that come with the cold and snowy southern Alberta weather.

The slower-paced life

People tend to slow down in cooler weather. Campus becomes quieter and begin to notice fewer people out on the sidewalks, and the coffee shops are filled with people. But the darker and shorter days call for a more relaxing and slower-paced life.  

The colder weather does come with a lot of obstacles and challenges, but it also comes with slower moments. Everyone experiences the “winter slump” in separate ways.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, reach out to the mental health helpline: 1-877-303-2642.