With the coming of snowy weather and cold days, a lack of motivation and energy follows. Seasonal Affective Disorder, aptly acronymed SAD, is a mood disorder that is characterized by depression that starts and ends around the same time each year. This is a disorder that many teenagers and adults are faced with. One of the main reasons for this is because of a lack of light, and in a town like Boise where daylight hours get much shorter in the Fall and Winter, SAD can run rampant.

One great way to stay motivated and healthy, both physically and mentally, is to exercise. Exercise releases endorphins and dopamine, chemicals central to your happiness. Regardless of what kind and how much exercise you can do, the ultimate goal is to move. You can find countless yoga tutorials online, do sit-ups or push-ups at home, play an indoor sport, or go to a gym and work out. 

Another way to stay motivated is to avoid self-isolation. When in a depressive slump, it is incredibly common to avoid all unnecessary contact. When you isolate yourself, you allow your mood to become worse, which makes you isolate more, and so on and so forth in a vicious cycle. Try to surround yourself with your loved ones in these difficult seasons. You can suggest that your family plays a board game or invite a friend over to watch a Christmas movie. 

You can enjoy the many things Boise has to offer in the Winter too. Skiing or snowboarding at Bogus Basin, sledding at Camel’s Back Park, or just wandering the shops downtown are a few great activities Boise has to offer. 

One thing that can make it difficult to stay motivated is also a lack of heat. Why would you want to leave your nice warm bed to be in a cold house? Try wearing fuzzy socks or buying a small space heater for your room. It can help make the transition from your bed to around your house easier. 

Starting a new hobby can also help. You could learn how to knit or crochet, learn a new language, make friendship bracelets as holiday gifts, or start collecting objects that are sold around this time of year, like snow globes and ornaments. 

Staying motivated is difficult, but luckily there are countless ways to keep yourself busy. Most importantly, do your best to try to stay connected with the people who care about you the most.