On Dec 21, the United States experienced the shortest day of the year (or the longest night, if you prefer.) Missouri saw just under nine-and-a-half hours of daylight. These days, we get closer to ten hours of daylight — not that much more. For those who find themselves a little sadder during the dark months of Midwest winter, the Student Life Scene staff has got you covered! 

(Illustration by Tuesday Hadden)

I’ve never actually tried this, but hear me out. For just $23.99 (plus shipping), you can have your very own happy natural light box to scare away the winter blues! In all seriousness, lower amounts of natural light (hello, darkness at 5pm) can cause drops in serotonin (according to science, AKA this Mayo Clinic article), and it’s perfectly natural to feel a little sadder when there’s less sun. Certain types of lamps mimic natural light, which could help with seasonal depression. And I’m certainly not a doctor, but the idea of sitting in front of a fake sun in order to squirt out a little more happy-brain chemicals seems foolproof to me… 

— Via Poolos 

My best (non-medical) advice for combating seasonal depression is to remember who college is for. Your four years here belong to you more than anybody else and that shouldn’t change. Yes, it is getting colder outside; there will be more gray skies and frigid days in our collective future, but try to look within and make sure you are prioritizing your own experience here. Attend campus events and learn about what is going on, pick up an instrument, or join a new club (Student Life perhaps…#notbiased). No matter how the semester plays out, remember that it is yours, and that is something that weather can never change. 

— Avi Holzman 

College tends to be a constantly fast-paced, competitive, and challenging environment. I think a lot of students are busy during the semester, running from place to place, and never taking a minute or two to rest or take a breath. Prioritizing your own time, whether that is taking an extra 30 minute nap, reading a book, or going on a walk, can be something so simple, yet mentally rewarding! Giving yourself breaks during the week and semester can help both your physical and mental health. I find that journaling helps a lot — even if that is just writing about what I am looking forward to the next day. 

— Annabel Shen

(Illustration by Tuesday Hadden)

I find that when the sun sets earlier and the days get colder, it becomes more and more challenging to accomplish large tasks. It feels defeating to look at a list of Canvas assignments and have them all feel insurmountable. To combat this, I try to find victories in smaller things and divide up tasks to make them less intimidating. This can look like putting easy things on a to-do list to have easier ways to cross them off; it can look like dividing readings into ten-page increments; or it can look as simple as pausing for a minute after class to reset. All of these celebrate or ease the hefty burdens we face each day. A successful day doesn’t have to mean you’ve executed every task perfectly. Find ways to make little moments more meaningful and they’ll start to add up. 

— Alice Gottesman

Our days are starting later and ending earlier as winter goes on; it’s really easy to follow the sun and just not leave your dorm when it gets dark and cold. But the outdoors are amazing regardless of the time of day. Now is the time to go exploring. Some of my favorite memories are the times I gathered my friends together for a late night walk around the East End, going through all the Sam Fox buildings, or watching the sky clear up and the stars appear. Also, I waited for two years for the Crow Observatory to open up, so you can bet I’ll be up there this winter.

— Will Labrador