Across the country, February is notorious for being a miserable, mood-killing month. Getting through it can be tough, but there are steps you can take to stay healthy both mentally and physically and avoid succumbing to the month’s monotonous, stressful nature.
The month can be crippling for various reasons. Its weather is easily the worst of the year: cold, snowy days with occasional freezing rain and constant gray, gloomy skies. Christmas, with the long break from school and work that comes with it, is far in the past, and the next hiatus is not for another month. Valentine’s Day, though enjoyable for some, often adds pressure and a feeling of loneliness to an already dejected mental state.
Sophomore Dillon Lieb described his experience through the month so far.
“I’ve been getting a lot more schoolwork, it feels like, and a lot more tests at the end of February that I have to study for. So I’ve been pretty busy and tired for mainly academic reasons,” Lieb said.
To prevent mental breakdowns and stay happy during the drag of February, many have found it helpful to take time to do activities that bring them joy. Whether that is baking a sweet treat, learning a new song on the guitar, or catching up with an old friend, these small things can counteract the dreary mood that ensues this time of year.
Sophomore James Crandall explained how he has worked to preserve a positive mood.
“Something I do a lot is listen to music. Putting your AirPods in, zoning out from the real world, you know, it really calms you down,” Crandall said. “It lowers your stress and just lets you be free.”
Mental health is vastly important to prioritize, and a great way to do that can be to address your physical health.
This strategy has worked for Lieb, as he recognized lifting at the fitness center as something that helps him stay happy.
“Seeing my friends after school and having a good time staying healthy and active is great because it benefits my physical and mental health,” Lieb said.
Another helpful strategy to get through February is to reframe it and put it in a different context.
Instead of a gray, repetitive month, it can be an opportunity to embrace the quiet and hone in on personal goals. The lull of life makes it easier to keep track of the little things and focus on growth as a person.
Instead of fearing the winter weather, cherish the chance to have a cozy night or enjoy an indoor activity.
A great way that State High administration has helped students stay happy throughout the school year was through the implementation of mental health summits in the winter and spring. The summits provide time for students to bond by participating in their choice of activities, and these have received high praise from the student body.
Lieb gave his take on the mental health summits: “I think the summits are super helpful, you know, but moving the spring one up to February could be helpful.”
Though it is easy to lose happiness in the trenches of February, it is only 28 days. Spring is imminent, and with it come bluer, clearer skies, a long break from school and work, and the outdoor activities that many cherish. Maintain sanity, positivity, and happiness, and March will be here in a flash.
