Langston Hughes wrote a poem called “The Weary Blues,” a jazzy, bluesy piece about the struggles of life. Right now, with the overabundance of gray and rainy days of winter, some of us are struggling and feeling more than a little blue.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is also referred to as SAD. No surprise there. I mean, come on. So many of us feel SAD in wintertime. Common symptoms include a depressed mood, low self-esteem, and changes in sleep patterns. In most cases, SAD is first diagnosed in people aged 18 to 30. It is less likely to occur as you get older. 

That being said, Chipper thought we’d explore how our reporters deal with the blahs of the bleakest stretch of wintertime months — February.

Zoe explains: Everyone gets into a funk once in a while. Whether it’s from the weather or just one of those things that we all go through. But I’m going to tell you what I do to get out of those funks. Going outside, just appreciating nature and all it has to offer helps. Another thing you could do is paint, draw — sometimes getting the funk onto paper helps you manage it easier.

Kayla says: Getting enough sleep is important; it helps me wake up in a good mood and not be cranky. That and organizing and cleaning. When I organize my room, it helps me feel relaxed. 

Savannah says: hanging out with my dog and taking him on walks when it is not raining always puts a smile on my face. Seeing Cooper happy makes my heart warm. Also, getting up and outside exercising always lifts my mood when I’m down.  

Avrie: the season doesn’t really get me down, but more the people and stress from school this time of year. I get so caught up in only doing school work and feeling like I have no other life. There’s also a lot of drama and popularity contests this time of year. To deal, I play with my niece because she is so happy whenever she sees me. That or I take a nice bath and relax. 

Yahaira: I like to take a nap or be more active. Do something productive, like clean the house or organize. Have lights on because they’re supposed to lighten your mood. Exercise and breathe fresh air, depending on the temperature and whether or not it’s raining.

Lyle: Talk to friends who make you smile and just try to keep your head up. Try playing games with friends to distract yourself from the weather and bad feelings. Also, avoid others who are succumbing to the weather so they do not drag you down with them. 

Luke: Try thinking of happy sunny weather. Thinking of the sun and warm weather brings me out of my gloomy state. 

 Taylor B: On rainy days I am not opposed to sleeping because I tend to sleep better.  Think positive thoughts throughout the day and catch up on or start new shows. 

Jenny: to battle the rainy winter blues, there are three things that keep me going—good books, good friends, and good exercise. Snuggling up by a window listening to music and reading a good novel is unparalleled. It’s great to lose yourself in something that isn’t your reality. Going to coffee shops in the rain with friends is an easy way to socialize and connect with those you love instead of sitting at home being sad. And probably the most important way to feel better—exercise. Go to the gym, run on a treadmill, or if it isn’t too cold, go on a run in the rain!

Maximus: I love the rain. Dreary is mistaken as a sad word when it’s quite pleasant. This kind of weather makes me want to curl up in my room and play X Box with the boys. For others, perhaps this weather makes them want to grab a book and read by the window. Unfortunately, this weather makes many of us sad, God’s Tears (or rain), should be celebrated with relaxation, not dread.  

Kayla T: If it’s rainy, take a 45 minute warm shower, just to get the chill out. Have warm clothing on and a blanket wrapped tight. Watch sunny, happy movies if it’s stormy out.

Kaylee: Whenever possible, get outside during daylight hours and expose yourself to the sun without wearing sunglasses. Sunlight, even in the small doses that winter allows, can help boost serotonin levels and improve your mood. Or try exercising — any activity where you move both your arms and legs. 

Madi: When winter is being extra cold and bitter, I catch up on sleep and enjoy the time I have because as soon as spring begins, I do not stop to take a break. Winter is cold, so I take warm baths and eat warm foods to feel better. I stay inside and pamper because once again I won’t have time to do later in the year. The last thing I do is remember that every season comes and goes, making me a better person. I learn through each season.   

Reed: There are a few things that I do to help stop and cope with the depressing months. I watch happy movies and YouTube videos. I listen to music about the summer and spring. I also write stories, which helps me take my mind off the bad weather.

Joaquin: Some ways I deal with the grey and wet weather are to exercise or spend time with my family and watch a movie. I also like laying down and watching Netflix with my dog.  

Payton: I typically fight these feelings with a long drive listening to my favorite songs, watching tv shows under a heated blanket, cuddling with my dog, or hanging out with my friends. This can be a hard time for people, so it is important not to take your feelings out on others. It will only make you feel worse. Another tool I use no matter the time of year is to write down my feelings. This helps me to get out all those pent-up emotions without having to worry about how my words will affect anyone.   

Madison L: Some ways you can cope with this depression is maybe go hang out with some of your closest friends.  Listen to upbeat music while you’re just laying around instead of watching the tv may inspire you to get up and be productive. Clean up something that is the least bit messy. While these tips may not help for all, they sure do help me when I know a splash of seasonal depression is about to come my way.  

La’Maya: To deal with gloomy weather, I sing or play basketball, the two things I love to do when my mind is in a whirl. Nothing is worse than a rainy day with nothing to do but sit around and reminisce on old decisions. Do a puzzle, draw, do something you love in order to get through the day. 

All of these are solid ideas for dealing with the emotional slumps of dead winter. We hope they help!