Winter can be a tough time for many people, and most of the time, that’s not your fault.
Per NHS data, at least 2 million people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and that estimate could be on the low side. And that’s just one hurdle — there are plenty of reasons why the colder months can bring you down that have nothing to do with your mindset or attitude. From the lack of sunlight to the pressures of the season, here are some reasons winter makes you miserable that are beyond your control.
1. Lack of sunlight
With shorter days and longer nights, the lack of sunlight during winter can leave you feeling drained and sluggish. The drop in natural light can negatively impact your mood and energy levels, and it’s not something you can just “snap out of.”
2. Cold temperatures
When it’s freezing outside, it can be hard to feel motivated to do anything. The chill can make even the most basic tasks feel like a huge effort, and who wants to leave the warmth of their blanket when it’s -5 °C outside?
3. Dry skin
Winter air can suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving you feeling dry, itchy, and uncomfortable. It’s not your fault, but it’s certainly frustrating. No amount of lotion seems to be enough, and your skin just keeps looking dull and cracked.
4. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
As previously mentioned, for some people, the lack of sunlight during the winter months can trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is linked to changes in seasons. It’s more than just feeling down—it can really affect your ability to function, and it’s completely out of your control.
5. Reduced social interaction
Winter often keeps people indoors, and with colder weather comes fewer social outings. If you’re stuck at home, it can feel isolating. Without the regular social interactions that come with warmer months, it’s easy to feel lonely and disconnected.
6. Poor sleep quality
Winter can throw off your sleep schedule. The colder temperatures, less sunlight, and shorter days can interfere with your circadian rhythm, making it harder to sleep well. A lack of quality sleep makes everything feel harder to deal with.
7. Increased heating bills
Trying to keep your home warm in the winter can lead to hefty heating bills. Financial stress from high energy costs can add to your overall sense of discomfort and frustration. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about the rising costs of staying warm.
8. The pressure of the festive season
The Christmas season is supposed to be joyful, but for many, it comes with a lot of stress. There’s the pressure of gift-giving, social obligations, and sometimes even family drama. These things can add up and leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
9. The mess of snow and ice
If you live in a snowy area, the constant cleaning up of snow, salt, and slush can be exhausting. Tracking snow and mud into the house, dealing with icy pavements, and constantly shovelling your driveway isn’t fun, and it certainly doesn’t make winter feel pleasant.
10. Low energy levels
The winter months can leave you feeling perpetually tired and sluggish. Your body may want to hibernate just like the animals, and you may find yourself lacking the energy to do anything, even things you usually enjoy. It’s not laziness; it’s your body trying to cope with the lack of sunlight and cold temperatures.
11. Less motivation to exercise
When it’s cold and dark outside, it’s easy to let your exercise routine slide. The idea of leaving the comfort of your warm home to exercise can feel like an impossible task. The lack of movement can leave you feeling more lethargic and unhappy, even if you know you’d feel better if you worked out.
12. Changes in diet and eating habits
Winter is often associated with comfort food—think hearty stews, mashed potatoes, and lots of carbs. While these foods might be satisfying, they can also leave you feeling sluggish. The urge to eat heavier foods in winter is natural, but it can make you feel a bit off-balance.
13. Overcast skies
Days with little to no sunshine can affect your mood and your productivity. The constant overcast skies can feel dreary, and it’s not surprising that many people find themselves feeling down when the sky is grey day after day.
14. The end-of-year burnout
By the time winter rolls around, you’re likely dealing with the mental and physical exhaustion from the entire year. All the work, stress, and responsibilities start to take their toll, leaving you feeling burnt out and ready for a break. Unfortunately, winter doesn’t always give you the rest you need.
