Let me start by saying this: it’s never too late to start your winter arc. Everyone lives on a different timeline, and autumn blues hit people differently. Maybe it’s the earlier sunsets, the never-ending midterms or just the emotional hangover of doing too much all semester.
Whatever it is, you’re not lazy, you’re just human.
The shift from fall to winter has a real impact on your mood and energy. But instead of forcing yourself to “power through,” maybe it’s time to listen to what your autumn blues are truly trying to tell you.
A Quick Science Lesson
It’s not just in your head. When daylight decreases, your body produces more melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin (the happy chemical). Your circadian rhythm (internal clock) gets thrown off.
Translation: You feel sleepy, distracted and a little emotionally flat.
Add in the mid-semester burnout, and it’s the perfect storm for “I’ll just do it later” energy.
Think of it less as laziness and more as your body asking for recalibration.
Resting ≠Regression
Somewhere along the way, rest started to feel like failure. We glorify burnout: the late nights, the triple-shot lattes, the constant exhaustion or the eye bags covering our faces. We talk about how little we sleep and how busy we are, as if the chaos proves we’re doing something right.Â
But exhaustion isn’t an aesthetic – it’s a warning sign. It’s your body begging you to slow down.Â
A quick PSA: slowing down doesn’t mean you’re falling behind; it means you’re choosing sustainability over speed.
You’re allowed to pause. To take a nap. To not be productive for the sake of optics.
Rest isn’t the opposite of ambition; it’s what keeps it alive.
Because rest isn’t regression — it’s recovery.
The Psychology of cozy
There’s a reason we crave comfort in colder months – it’s both biological and emotional. Our brains associate warmth, soft lighting and familiar routines with safety. That’s why “cozy” isn’t just an aesthetic; it’s a coping mechanism.
My advice (and that of many licensed psychologists): lean into it.
Light a candle. Romanticize your hot coffee or chocolate. Make your space soft again.
It’s not indulgent — it’s intuitive. Choosing the tougher path just because you think it’s the only recipe for success, especially if you’re not prepared for it, will inevitably be counterproductive.Â
Your Winter Arc
You don’t need to wait for January to have a reset. You can start your winter arc whenever you decide to – maybe it’s this weekend, maybe it’s next month.Â
Your winter arc doesn’t have to mean a total reinvention. It can be as simple as deciding to have a plan for the gym, reading more, eating better or focusing on that one class that seems impossible. Whatever growth looks like for you, this is the perfect season to lean into it.Â
Use your Thanksgiving break as a time to actually rest and recover. Work on something that truly fulfills you.
Get sunlight. Touch grass. Let your body breathe again.Â
And if you need structure, use the tools already at your fingertips. A Notion dashboard to track habits, a Google Sheet for progress, a Pinterest board for visual goals or a daily check-in app that keeps you consistent. These small systems can make your goals feel tangible, not overwhelming.
It’s also a great reality check to help you set realistic timelines and stay accountable without the pressure.Â
The point isn’t to fight the slowdown, but to find rhythm in it. Let the season teach you softness and discipline. You’re not behind; you’re just building quietly and slowly during your winter arc.