If nothing was expected of you during the cold winter months–no dissertation, work or family obligations–what would you do? For many, the answer would be:
Sleep.
Eat.
Drink.
Nap.
Watch TV.
Read a book.
Repeat.
While these responses may sound a lot like depression, they are also just a natural reaction to the realities of winter. The days are short, the nights are long and (for many) it’s colder. Physiologically, it’s hard to be motivated. Our tendency is to “bear up” and hibernate, whether we want to or not.
With that said, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is very real and can wreak havoc on completing your dissertation and other projects that need your attention.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms of SAD may include:
- Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Having low energy and feeling sluggish
- Having issues with sleeping too much (or too little)
- Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
Even if you don’t suffer from SAD, getting tasks completed, such as your dissertation, can feel like a slow, painful climb uphill during the winter months.
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