
As we get deeper into the dark winter months, the dullness of the season can make it easy to feel down, so the students and staff at Vashon Island High School are here to share their seasonal sweeteners, and ways they stay motivated for the winter season.
“I cook good food and hangout with friends, just stuff that makes me happy,” sophomore Ren Colvos said. Having set comfort meals or routines that bring in some extra sweetness can make a noticeable difference in mood and day to day energy. It can also be helpful to surround yourself and others with activities to keep spirits high and remind those of the good that’s coming. It’s always recommended to connect with others to get through the winter together.
“I just get really into the holidays like Christmas and New Years,” said freshman Cash Requa.
Diving into the holiday cheer and New Year’s is a great way to gain motivation, start implementing new habits, and begin new routines for the next time winter comes around.
So what do professionals recommend to do during winter time to stay positive and motivated?
“Planning ahead, so planning things to do when the weather does get better really helps, along with circulating that around the holidays,” school counselor Tara Vanselow said.
Looking to the months and opportunities ahead can be a powerful way to stay motivated, like planning friend and family get-togethers during the holiday season. It can be hard to start habits and stay active during the short days of winter, which is why it is so important to find that time to connect and reach out to close ones and start those new habits together.
What kind of habits do the counselors recommend students start?
“I think for students, trying to establish some kind of regular sleep pattern is a really good idea,” school counselor Jeff Jones said.
Getting regular nights of sleep is highly recommended by our counselors for maintaining and stabilizing your mental health. Without a proper sleep schedule, staying on top of school and work can become a much harder feat when exhaustion piles up and motivation starts to wane.
“A healthy body leads to a healthy mind,” said Jones.
Staying active while getting exposed to new activities in the winter can help make them stick in the coming months, even if it’s a simple habit, it is always recommended to get outside.
“I try to get outside and take my dog for a walk when it’s not raining out,” freshman Cash Requa said.
Getting active and getting fresh air can be refreshing, and is a great way to spice up the scenery from your room or house, even if it is only a short, solo walk or a stroll with a furry friend.
These habits can increase the sweetness of the season that can feel sparse around the winter time. And a reminder, if you or someone you know is in crisis or needs someone to call or talk to, here are some resources given by our counselors:
Teen Link 1.866.TEENLINK (1.866.833.6546–talk or text) or www.teenlink.org
24-hour Crisis Line 1.866.4 CRISIS
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or go to https://988lifeline.org/
Línea de vida nacional para la prevención del suicidio en español 1.800.628.9454
The Trevor Project (24-hour support line for LGBTQIA+ youth) 1.800.488.7386