Let me paint a picture: the sun has started going down by 5 p.m., the temperature has steadily dipped below 50 degrees, you have one million things on your to-do list and the only label you have for how you feel is “seasonal depression.” 

Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought it would. As soon as we enter the cold and dark months, it seems that everyone is quick to turn to the excuse of seasonal depression for their lack of motivation from roughly November-February. 

Of course, seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a real thing that many people have to navigate during this time of year; however, I don’t think it’s an excuse everyone deserves to use if it doesn’t actually apply to them.

It’s OK for fall or winter to not be your favorite seasons. It’s OK for you to prefer warm weather over cold. It’s OK you’d rather be soaking up the sun on the beach rather than be in a classroom during the day’s nine hours of sunlight. 

These feelings are valid, but none of them is an excuse to improperly diagnose yourself with an actual disorder and not enjoy your life for four months straight.

There are so many ways to simply combat this seasonal sadness, the first being to alter your mindset. I know, I know, you’re thinking “it’s not that easy,” but it can be. 

One of the biggest issues people have with the winter months is how early it gets dark. It’s a fair complaint, but if you’re bothered by the time change, think of it this way: as it gets darker earlier, fewer people will be out doing things, and you won’t miss out on anything. 

In the summer months, there’s pressure to be productive — I’m using this term loosely — as long as the sun is still out; but, in the winter, you can get a head start on your relaxing, wind-down time. 

Now I know a lot of us have jobs and heaps of homework to do, but when given the opportunity, try leaning into the coziness that this time of year offers. 

Give yourself a day to come home and start winding down as the sun goes down. Enjoy the extra hours of darkness and use them to take part in self-care. Try to cook or bake something warm, watch a show or movie and maybe enjoy a nice seasonal drink. 

It’s a very simple concept that I think is so often overlooked; when it’s chilly outside, make yourself cozy inside.

One of my favorite things about changing seasons that keeps me optimistic is wearing clothes I haven’t been able to in a year. It’s another silly thing that isn’t that important, but if it gives you a reason to want to get out of bed when it’s 20 degrees outside, then it’s a win. 

I recommend finding an article of warm clothing that you absolutely love without breaking the bank and adding it to your winter wardrobe. 

Whether it be a sweater, warm boots or even an accessory like a beanie, it’s totally worth it. That extra confidence and motivation can come from putting a little effort into your appearance. 

For me, I have a black puffer coat from Old Navy that makes me excited every time I wear it, even if it is freezing out, simply because I love the way it looks.

All of this to say, winter doesn’t have to be your worst enemy. It doesn’t have to be your favorite season, but you shouldn’t give one season the power to ruin a portion of your entire year. 

This is also your friendly reminder to not self-diagnose yourself with disorders such as Seasonal Affective Disorder just because you don’t like the cold because some truly suffer from these disorders and it negatively affects their everyday lives.