It’s early September, the air is crisp and the seasons are changing. As the weather grows colder, I find myself unprepared for the transition from summer to fall and winter. While some may be eager for the change of seasons, I am dreading it.
The first reason for me disliking winter is winter clothing. Unlike summer clothing, winter clothing can get annoying. The need for layering or difference in heat between being inside or outside is uncomfortable. I also don’t think I look as good in winter wear. In the summer, one outfit can comfortably work for the whole day, but during winter, there’s a constant battle between carrying extra clothing and avoiding getting too hot or too cold.
In Nebraska, the seasonal transition is especially unpredictable. The weather can change from one day to the next, making it difficult to pick an appropriate outfit for the day.
I also find the aesthetic of winter and fall worse than summer and spring. While fall leaves and the first snow can be beautiful, that charm fades quickly. The snow rapidly turns dirty and slushy, and autumn leaves become soggy and decayed.
Ice and snow are also inconvenient when trying to walk around or drive outside.
The shorter days and the lack of sunlight during the colder months are also depressing. The grayness of the winter weather can be isolating, and the lack of sunlight is draining for me. This and the existence of seasonal depression are why I think that it is important for people to focus on taking care of themselves during the winter months. This is doubly true for college students who are typically more prone to stress and depression.
I find that the most important things for staying mentally and emotionally healthy during the winter months for me include: exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, trying to get more sunlight when I can and taking time to destress with activities like going out with friends.
I appreciate the aesthetics of the fall and winter, but I am not ready or happy to see them coming. The unpredictable temperature, winter clothing and inconvenience of the weather make me wish that it was warm all year. There is nothing that we can do to stop seasons from changing though, so all we can do is buckle down and focus on taking care of ourselves.
