How To Stay Productive During The Winter

businesswoman freelancer tired, asleep working at computer at Christmas

Feeling sluggish, finding it hard to get out of bed and just generally not yourself lately? It’s not you—there’s literally something in the air. Some 41% of U.S. adults said their stress increases between November and January, according to research from the American Psychological Association. So with the colder nights and shorter days this time of year, how can you stay productive during the winter?

I spoke to Joy Parrish, licensed professional counselor and senior therapy manager at mental health company Headspace to find out how to beat the winter blues.

The Truth About Seasonal Affective Disorder

Sometimes known as SAD, seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression affecting 5% of Americans for about 40% of the year, particularly during the fall and winter. Everyone can experience seasonal affective disorder but it’s more common in women and people living further north who experience less sunlight during winter.

Symptoms include mood swings, feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite and sleep, physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches or fatigue and difficulty concentrating or decision making, which can lead to a decline in productivity and performance at work.

“While the exact cause of SAD isn’t fully understood, it’s often linked to the reduced sunlight exposure we experience during the winter months,” said Parrish. “This lack of light can throw several systems off balance by disrupting the hypothalamus – the part of our brain that regulates our heart rate, body temperature, appetite and the sleep-wake cycle. It may lead to an overproduction of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleepiness, and a drop in serotonin, the hormone influencing mood, appetite, and sleep – both of which play key roles in mood regulation,” she said.

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Having less sunlight during the shorter days in winter can also impact your internal biological clock and circadian rhythm, which relies on sunlight to trigger when it’s time to go to bed and wake up.

How The Winter Affects Your Work Productivity

Now that the clocks have changed, you might find yourself walking out of the office to pitch darkness which can feel disorienting and depressing, and makes it hard to wake up the next morning. January is thought to be the least productive month of the year. So what’s the link between winter and how well you work?

“Even a one hour shift can disrupt our internal clocks, taking days or even weeks for our bodies to adjust. With daylight playing a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm, this also directly impacts our focus, mood, energy levels and sleep quality – all of which contribute to how we perform at work,” Parrish said.

Plus, exposure to daylight provides a boost of serotonin which can elevate your mood and help you feel calm and focused. “Without enough sunlight, our serotonin levels can dip, putting us at a higher risk of SAD. Morning sunlight in particular can boost our alertness as it suppresses melatonin, which helps us feel more awake and ready to take on work tasks,” she explained.

A study found that exposure to nature and sunlight is linked with job satisfaction and organizational commitment, plus less stress and depression. Another study by Cornell University found that employees working in offices with optimized daylight experienced 63% fewer headaches, 56% less drowsiness and 51% reduced eye strain, all of which contribute to increased work productivity. “When daylight is scarce, these benefits are diminished, which can negatively impact work performance and overall mood,” said Parrish.