One-minute lessons on student life, productivity, and personal growth — every Wednesday.
WILIOM: What Winter Taught Me (and How to Survive Your First One)
What I’ve Learned In One Minute…Hi friend,When the clocks turned back last week, I caught myself thinking about my first winter in the UK, the one that really humbled me. I still remember how strange it felt, watching daylight disappear before dinner and feeling my energy dip for no reason. Wondering why I suddenly felt so low. That’s when I learnt what seasonal depression really meant. And trust me, it’s real. Back home, sunlight was a given. Here, it became something I had to pray for. Because of the shorter days and less sunlight, your body produces less vitamin D, which directly affects your mood and energy. I didn’t realise how much it mattered until one week I forgot to take my supplements. I felt sluggish, unmotivated, and just… off. It wasn’t until I started taking them again that I noticed how big the difference was. Winter has a way of sneaking up on you. One day you’re fine, and the next, you feel like the world’s been dimmed a few shades lower. That’s why preparation matters — not just mentally, but physically too. My Winter Starter Pack1. Take your Vitamin D daily Think of it as bottled sunlight. It’s simple but powerful and makes all the difference. 2. Stay active (especially outdoors) Even short walks help. Movement keeps your energy flowing when everything around you slows down. 3. Stay social and share warm meals You’ll want to stay in, but don’t isolate yourself. Have dinner with friends, talk, laugh — it’s medicine for the cold days. 4. Create light where you can Open your blinds, sit near windows, or invest in a small light therapy lamp. A little brightness helps more than you’d think. I wish someone had told me that your first winter isn’t just about the cold, it’s about learning how to protect your energy. You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for it. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/ Quick HackInvest in a sunrise lamp. I use the Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 Sunrise Clock. It slowly brightens the room before you wake up, like a soft sunrise that actually feels real. When you leave for class before the sun’s up and return after it’s set, that small glow makes a huge difference. WINS & LESSONSWin: I went to Bath this past weekend and spent it with a couple of friends. Spending time with the people you care about is a massive win. Lesson: Smashburgers are awesome, not what I expected. Also, I took a rail replacement bus for the first time. (Interesting experience.) QFYTWhen the days get darker, how do you remind yourself to stay light inside? In a bit,MotheoPS. I’ve been working on something special — a retrospective-based study timetable designed to help you focus on what you actually need to revise, not just what’s on your list. I’ll be giving exclusive early access to newsletter readers before it goes public. Keep an eye out in the coming issues. |
Motheo Masole
One-minute lessons on student life, productivity, and personal growth — every Wednesday.
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