Getting things done in winter can be a slog. Photo by Justin Hsieh.
By Katy Nguyen
Do you ever find yourself having trouble with staying focused and maintaining work during the winter? The winter blues and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are very common, and it’s not just you. Many find themselves stuck in a block and that could be partly due to the weather conditions.
Sunlight is one of the main factors in boosting our productivity. With less daytime during the winter, it is best that we take advantage of the day’s light. Your body will feel more tired when it’s dark, so you can try opening the curtains more. In addition, try to go outside when possible, or you could even invest in a lamp that mimics sunlight.
Being at the right temperature plays a crucial role in how our brains function. If the thermostat is set too cold or too hot, we’ll get more distracted and focus less on our work. It’s important to always stay warm enough to get things done on a cold day. However, we often find ourselves getting cozy under the blankets, so try avoiding that by keeping work at your desk rather than your bed.
Since it’s so cold, many of us are less likely to feel motivated to exercise. Every so often you should get up and do some stretches rather than falling into a loop of distractions. It helps stimulate your brain and relax your muscles. Whenever there is sunlight, try to go for a walk or run to boost your energy. We also eat a lot more, and more unhealthy during the holiday season so it’s essential to get some movement to feel less deprived from all the eating.
Although the weather and our holiday habits might be important factors from keeping us unproductive, we can also be affected by SAD. Typically during this time, we would feel more gloomy and are likely to fall in a loop of depression. According to Mayo Clinic, people with SAD can be affected in all seasons throughout the year, but in winter the symptoms include:
- Low energy, feeling sluggish and easily irritated
- Lost of interest, lack of motivation and difficulty with concentration
- Trouble sleeping and appetite change
- Hopelessness and suicidal thoughts
If you do experience SAD, it is recommended that you go see a doctor if you experience an unexpected change in your day to day sleeping routine and eating habits.
Most of the time if you’re just feeling down, a walk outside or a change in your work space would make a huge difference in your productivity. Sometimes, getting started is the hard part, so if you’re feeling unproductive, just get started.
