Feeling the Winter Blues? You're not alone
Monday, 30 June 2025
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Feeling flat this winter? Talking to someone can really help.
As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, many of us find ourselves feeling a little… off. Whether it’s low mood, fatigue, difficulty finding motivation or reaching for comfort foods more often, these shifts are common and perfectly normal during winter.
This seasonal slump – often called the 'Winter Blues' – is a natural response to reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures. We tend to stay indoors more, move less, and crave carbohydrate-rich foods. Our body responds almost like it’s preparing for hibernation: we might sleep more, feel sluggish, and notice a dip in energy or enthusiasm.
While most people experience these changes mildly, some may find their symptoms more intense. In those cases, it could be a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to mental health organisation Beyond Blue, the lack of sunlight in winter may play a role in triggering SAD.
University students can be especially vulnerable. With long breaks from regular study and a tendency to spend more time indoors, it’s easy for daily routines – and moods – to slip.
If winter tends to weigh you down, here are some helpful tips to keep your wellbeing on track:
- Soak up the light: Try to spend at least an hour outside in natural daylight each day, especially in the morning. Even cloudy days can offer enough light to boost your mood.
- Stay social: Don’t let cold weather put your social life on ice. Catching up with friends or simply being around others can help lift your spirits.
- Keep moving: Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to combat low mood. Whether it’s a walk, a gym session or dancing in your room. Just get your body moving.
- Know when to seek support: If your symptoms are more severe, you might benefit from counselling or other treatments often used to manage depression. If you're unsure where to start, you could go to The Living Room or reach out to ECU's Psychological Counselling Support.
- Take care of your health: Staying well physically can make a big difference to how you feel mentally. The ECU Health Centre offers a range of services, including free flu shots for students.
The Winter Blues are more common than you might think, and they’re nothing to be ashamed of. By taking small, intentional steps to support your mental and physical wellbeing, you can help lift the fog and feel more like yourself again.
For more strategies and information, download our Winter Blues tip sheet, or check out the full series for more ways to support your wellbeing year-round.
Winter might feel a little grey, but you don’t have to go through it alone.