Overview: Winter is coming, whether you like it or not: the season of drinking a cup of tea while staring out the window, knowing you’ve got your small talk about the weather sorted for the next few days, is well and truly upon us. However, with the prospect of miserable weather stretching on indefinitely (or at least until March), the cold, early nights can have a huge effect on our mental health.
As the temperature begins to plummet in Oxford and around the UK, with the sun barely rising above the Radcam and the rain seeming to spill down with no end in sight, the seasonal shift from autumn to winter brings a sense of dread for many of us, myself included. It’s no secret that the relentless cold, gloomy days, and pitch darkness by 4 pm can take a toll on mental well-being. The winter months can often exacerbate existing feelings of isolation, sadness, and lethargy, a common phenomenon known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that affects about 1 in 20 people.
The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it’s often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days . Increased production of melatonin (the hormone that makes you sleepy), decreased production of serotonin (the happy hormone), and disruption to you circadian rhythm , can all contribute to the symptoms of SAD. Men are more likely to be diagnosed than women, however it can affect people of all ages and genders. Moreover, the seasonal nature of SAD means symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed, so do take the time to check in on yourself and your friends as Michaelmas draws to a close.
For many, the short days and dreary overcast skies feel draining. Walking home from an afternoon lecture in the dark, or navigating the cobbled streets in driving rain can wear down even the most optimistic. The challenge of maintaining motivation and focus in these final weeks of term becomes even greater when the weather invites cosy hibernation rather than academic hustle. in recent years, the intensity of this seasonal shift has been amplified by climate change. From flash floods to dramatic temperature fluctuations, these events are a stark reminder of Herclitus’ words: “the only constant in life is change”.
Yet, in the face of this dreariness and uncertainty, it’s vital to remember there is a certain tranquility to be found in these months. While it may be hard to appreciate when you’re feeling like a drowned rat, the damp streets and fog-covered spires do give Oxford a unique kind of charm. Mist rolling over rivers or lakes in the early morning, the first time you can see your breath in the cold air, or the sound of frosted leaves as they crunch underfoot—all of this forms a quiet beauty that is uniquely winter. There is something meditative about the stillness that winter brings to the city. Walking along the banks of the Cherwell on a crisp misty morning, with the morning birdsong chorus and the sound of church bells chiming in the distance, is an experience that cannot be replicated in any other season. These moments, though fleeting, remind us that there is some serenity in winter’s frosty embrace.
Acknowledging that the weather affects our mental health is the first step towards mitigating its impact. Simple practices like maintaining regular routines, getting outside during daylight hours (if you’re not stuck in a 6 hour lab like me!), and finding time for social connections can help alleviate the mental strain brought on by the shortening days. In Oxford, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by a strong support system in the form of colleges, friends, and university wellbeing resources. Whether it’s a warm cup of tea and a chat while stormy weather rages, or a brisk walk through the University Parks on those rare blue-sky days, these small moments of connection and care can make all the difference.
Studies have shown that one of the most effective ways of alleviating the symptoms of SAD is getting outside and being active – this improves the functioning of the hypothalamus region in the brain and can help restore the balance of melatonin and serotonin levels. Oxford Wildlife Photography Society often run wildlife walks throughout the week, as do The Oxford Ornithological Society – the perfect way to get some fresh air, socialise and appreciate the serenity of a winter’s day.
As you wind down from term and prepare for the festive season, take the opportunity to embrace the small joys that the season brings. The city of Oxford, though often grey and blustery in the winter, truly sparkles during Oxmas. From the brightly lit trees around town to the steady buzz of the Christmas Market; a good dose of festive cheer can create a sense of warmth and community that cuts through the cold. There is always magic to be found here, even on the most uninspiring of days.
So, while it may be easy to get bogged down by the unabating rain, bitter cold and early sunsets, take heart in the knowledge that spring is looming just around the corner. In the meantime, let us find joy in the small, beautiful moments that make Oxford’s winter unique. Wrap up warm, check in on your loved ones, and remember, brighter days are ahead!