Being winter-ready may require more than just putting on a warm coat and some gloves. Winter can be particularly challenging for students for a number of reasons. For many, it can mean finding ways to beat procrastination, having enough energy to study for final exams, or recover for the spring semester. The season is potentially a more difficult time for us to stay focused and motivated in their writing. However, taking proactive steps to stay warm and energetic, manage stress, stay organized,, and maintain a social life can help students stay on track.

1. Staying Warm While Studying or Writing

Winter Comfort

The cold and dark weather of winter can make it harder to stay motivated and engaged in academic or creative work. Keeping warm isn’t just about comfort—it is proactive because you are less distracted by your body’s discomfort, and therefore more focused on your work and on enjoying it. However, try to avoid being too overly comfortable, that you’re unable to focus at all. 

Study with a Blanket (But Not in Bed!)

There is no shame in studying in a blanket to keep warm when studying–writing and studying doesn’t have to be miserable to be productive! However, don’t study in your bed, as you’ll be more inclined to fall asleep. Strike a balance between warmth and alertness for a productive study session.

Dealing with Cold Hands

Typing or writing with cold hands can be frustrating. If you’re like me, and struggle typing or writing with cold hands, this tip is for you! Instead of buying fingerless gloves that leave almost all your digits exposed, you can improvise your own pair. Find a cheap pair of regular fingered gloves and cut off the tips so that you can still tap on your screen while keeping warm. For longevity, if you know how to sew, cut off a bit less than you intend on having exposed and tuck some of it in to sew a seam to prevent fraying. 

Hand warmers or a hot beverage are also great alternatives for keeping your hands warm during breaks.

Layers, Layers, Layers

When studying outside your home or dorm, dressing in layers is key. A well prepared outfits includes:

• A Base Layer: T-shirt, tank top, or long-sleeved shirt

• A Mid Layer: Sweater, fleece, or hoodie

• An Outer Layer: Waterproof jacket for rain or snow

By layering strategically, you can easily adjust your comfort level based on how well-heated your study space is.

2. Staying Academically Productive in Winter

Some students may find it helpful to change up their study routine during winter. With the right strategies and support, students can successfully navigate the challenges of winter and maintain their well-being and academic performance throughout the season. 

Adapting your study routine

Winter’s shorter days and overcast skies reduce natural light exposure, which, if you’re anything like me, makes working next to a window a lot less appealing, as it gets dark way before I’m done studying. Experiment with new study environments, such as campus libraries or coffee shops, to stay motivated. A well-lit room helps to maintain alertness and improve concentration. Specifically, bright or warm lighting can also create a more inviting and motivating study environment, making it easier for some to stay productive.

Taking a walk to get fresh air and natural light, even if it’s cold outside, can be a fulfilling break. The nipping cold can be refreshing, and spending time outside can boost your mood. Regular breaks reduce the physical strain of sitting for long periods, so you can return to your work with renewed focus and clarity. 

Utilize Winter-Specific Campus Resources

Many universities offer winter-friendly resources, such as virtual events, wellness programs, or mental health services. These can provide much-needed support during the season's unique challenges. Keep an eye out for seasonal activities you can participate in on campus too, such as gingerbread competitions and New Year’s activities. These are free and convenient ways to have some fun and be social if you've been missing out on that.

3. Practicing Winter Self-Care

Tackling Seasonal Stress

Winter can bring increased stress due to heavier workloads, deadlines, and final exams.  Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, but it doesn’t define your capabilities or worth. Often you’ll have to be your own reassurance and trust that your efforts will make a difference. 

Take meaningful breaks—it’s okay to not have everything done and figured out all at once. Make space for activities that bring you joy, even if they’re small: engaging in a hobby (or two, or ten), spending time with friends, or simply cozying up with a warm drink and a book. Social media, while helpful at times, should not be the only break that you have, as it is another form of information overloading. Not every moment should be spent cramming your brain with information; it is just as important that your mind can ruminate on what you’ve learnt, reorganize, and recover. 

We often hear time management and study routines everywhere online, but those can be hard to remember, so I'll briefly summarize what I’ve learnt about time management.

• Start by breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps like a body paragraph or an editing phase. Schedule the steps based on the time you expect to spend on them. If you’re having trouble breaking down, weigh out how much a section of assignment may be worth.

• Using tools like planners or digital apps can help keep you on track but you don’t need anything fancy, a simple sticky note or scratch paper will work too. If the workload feels unmanageable, don’t be hesitant to reach out for support. If you communicate ahead of the deadline, professors or teaching assistants can offer support or adjustments. Even peers or support staff can offer guidance, directing you towards academic resources on campus, such as editing or tutoring services.

Dealing with Reduced Daylight

The shorter days of winter can disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to lower energy, poor sleep, and shifts in mood. Combat these challenges by prioritizing exposure to natural light during the day. A short walk or study session near a window during the morning hours can significantly boost your energy levels. During the winter, with the sun no longer keeping time for you, you must take charge of your sleep-wake cycle and the task of improving your overall mood, for better or for worse. This means that you’ll mimic sunlight by seeking light, but it also means avoiding too much screen time before bed to not overextend your “daylight.”  Managing your light exposure is part of healthy sleep hygiene and makes it easier to stay productive and positive during the darker months.

Staying Connected

Isolation can be a hidden challenge during winter, especially when colder weather discourages outdoor activities that we’d usually rely on for bonding. Combat feelings of loneliness by prioritizing regular contact with friends, whether through in-person hangouts, phone calls, or video chats. DMs and texts are still just as valued and can still help you feel connected, plus, your friends might appreciate your messages more than you think! If you can, be the one to reach out, they’re struggling through the season just as you are.

Virtual study groups or collaborative projects can also provide a sense of connection. While this may be difficult during exam season, as the clubs you may have joined are on pause for students to focus on academics, memberships can still be beneficial. Online, people will still be connected as they pop in and out of studying. If online interaction isn’t enough, attending campus events are great ways to meet new people and stay socially engaged. Sometimes, letting others know about your progress acts as a form of accountability, and grounding. Building connections can help boost your motivation and create a support system to lean on when winter feels particularly tough. 

Winter may feel like a tough season to keep writing or studying, but with a mix of practical strategies and self-care, you can power through the challenges. Stay warm, stay organized, and don’t forget to prioritize your mental health. After all, even the darkest season can inspire creativity and productivity when you take proactive steps.