It seems as if every person whom I’ve asked the ubiquitous question of “how are you?” has responded with an answer that might have well been a plainly stated “no.” Yet, instead, I receive a cacophony of mumbles and conversation diversions. I wonder if this is a result of midterm exams now in full swing or the monotonous days that endlessly blur together. After all, just by being a student, we are all susceptible to the contagion that is known as ennui.
Perhaps what’s really to blame here is the end-of-winter blues. While there is only about a week of winter left, I still loathe the infamous groundhog for extending the darker nights alongside this cold weather. Such as in academics, the last stretch is always the hardest. There’s nothing wrong with the winter months — rather the connotations that come with them. So if you’re a winter fan, I encourage you to keep reading.
Truly, it’s no surprise that authors use the winter months to portray the meanings of loneliness and sorrow in their novels. There’s just something about the cold and foggy climate that takes a toll on one’s happiness.
I, for one, am a victim of the winter blues because my glee is dependent on the presence of the sun. Spring has always been one of my favorite seasons, although I may be biased as my birthday is in April. There’s just something calming about the awakening of nature: the chirping of the birds, blossoming of flowers around campus and weather that’s simply the best.
As someone who fights to deflect the blues during the winter, I’ve grown conscientious of how I adapt to such dreary emotions. Sometimes all it takes is a change of perspective and pacing. Taking slower sips of my coffee and bites of my breakfast in the mornings has really allowed me to feel more grounded with myself. Additionally, taking the longer route back home has been a way I’m able to reconcile with a whirlwind of thoughts.
While the above was geared more toward winter blues in particular, it’s not to say that the same sadness can’t be felt in the warmer months: It most certainly can. So, refer back to this piece whenever you’re in need of a reminder. The seasons fluctuate over the months. So do our emotions — and that’s OK.
Maybe the blues are contagious, but so is the radiance of yellow. Despite the forecast of the day, you can weather any storm — or any ounce of the blues. Let’s gain our happiness back as the sun shines brighter and the air grows warmer.
