Entering semester two can be challenging for students. They can often experience a lack of motivation due to the change in weather patterns. The lack of sunlight can often lead to lower serotonin levels, which impacts mood and energy, leading to students being less productive. Junior Lexi Nicholls explains how her motivation is impacted.

“I’m usually less motivated at school during the winter.”

This is not an uncommon occurrence. Appstate.edu says that about 25% of students “suffer from winter blues” due to the shorter days and decreased hours of sunlight.

“I don’t feel like doing homework after 6 pm because that’s when it gets dark,” Nicholls said—emphasising how the change in sunlight patterns affects her productivity.

Nicholls also talks about how she adapts her schedule to change to the weather patterns.

“I get enough sleep so I don’t feel tired at school, which helps me focus on my schoolwork during winter,” Nicholls said.

She discussed her routines and habits to stay motivated.

“I try to get my homework done at school, like during a resource, because it’s easier to focus on work when I’m at school versus when I’m at home.”

Depending on the student, some people can work better in class, and others work better outside of school. However, people work better, it can be useful to set personalized homework goals. Nicholls shares advice for other students who struggle with a lack of motivation in winter.

“[Students can] Figure out a routine that allows them to get their work done but also doesn’t drain them and allows for time to hang out with friends or do things they enjoy.”

Winter generally lasts in Indiana from December through early March. And by mid-March, BCSC has spring break, and the UV begins to rise, signalling winter is coming to an end, and spring is making its first appearance.