The End-of-Winter Slump: Why You Feel “Off” (and What Actually Helps)

It’s that time of year. It’s been January for a year, the Superbowl is over, and the groundhog said SIX. MORE. WEEKS. So, if you’ve been feeling unusually flat, unmotivated, or emotionally “heavy” lately, you’re not alone. This time of year, late winter, when we’ve been cold and cooped up for months, can be a perfect storm for low mood and low motivation. People often tell me:
“I know what I should be doing, but I can’t get myself to do it.”
“I feel stuck.”
“I’m tired all the time, and I don’t feel like myself.”
“I keep waiting for motivation to come back… and it isn’t.”
The good news is: this isn’t a personal flaw. It’s a very human response to a season that’s biologically and psychologically hard on us. And there’s a lot we can do to feel better.

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueFebruary 12, 2026depression, seasonal affective disorder, motivationComment

Simple, Science-Backed Ways to Prevent and Treat Seasonal Affective Symptoms (AKA The Winter Blahs)

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s common to feel a shift in mood, motivation, and energy. For many, this shift is subtle. For others, it can develop into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that follows seasonal patterns, most often emerging in late fall and winter.

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueDecember 9, 2025winter, seasonal affective disorder, health

Top Lifestyle Strategies to Prevent and Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As the days get shorter and colder, many people experience a drop in mood and energy, commonly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is more than just the “winter blues”; it’s a form of depression that affects a significant number of people each year. Fortunately, there are lifestyle strategies that can help mitigate the symptoms of SAD, keeping your mind and body in balance through these darker months. Here are some of the most effective strategies:

Self-Care, HealthKelly Forys DonahueNovember 25, 2024SAD, seasonal affective disorder

Beating the Winter Blues

The holidays and the winter weather can bring low mood. The disease model of health says that this low mood is called “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” I think of it as our body and mind’s response to the conditions. Let’s think about the qualities of this time of year:

Cold weather
Dark mornings
Dark evenings
Short days
Less Vitamin D
Access to fresh produce might be less available (i.e.. farmers markets are non-existent or limited)

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueDecember 11, 2019seasonal affective disorder, self-care

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