Spring Semester: Overcoming the January Blues

Spring semester often presents with the excitement of New Year’s Resolutions, new classes and the knowledge that spring break is just a few weeks away. However, it also brings a sense of sadness for many students as December holiday activities have concluded and the days are short.

For online students, these feelings of general sadness can be even more pronounced if the student is isolated. Fewer people are outdoors during the cold days of winter and social activities have likely slowed down.

Following are a few tips for feeling your best as the semester unfolds.

Know that you aren’t alone. The January Blues and the February Slump are well recognized. If you have these feelings, embrace them and understand that occasional blues are normal.

Get outdoors. As an online student, it’s very important that you are intentional about spending time in the sunlight. Some believe that the January blues are caused in part by the lack of sunlight (as compared to summer months). Take time for daily walks outdoors or take your laptop outside to study.

Take a January trip. If you are able, take a few days in January and drive to the beach, the mountains, or another favorite place. An advantage of taking courses online is that you can complete your assignments anywhere with internet access.

Stay on track with your classes. Getting behind can increase your worries. Even spending a few minutes every day in your online courses can avoid your feeling overwhelmed. For projects that take time, try to get ahead of them and avoid procrastination.

Plan spring activities. Focus on planning your next vacation, social event or hobby (gardening, playing music, etc.) to keep yourself in a more positive mindset.

Focus on others. Realize that others may be experiencing that blues as well. Think about ways that you can cheer others up (small gifts, spending time together), and notice how this improves your mood as well.

Seek help if needed. If feelings of depression begin to feel overwhelming, reach out to a professional. You can contact the counseling center at your institution or call USG eCampus for information on many resources.

USG eCampus is a service unit of the University System of Georgia that assists SACSCOC-accredited USG institutions in administering quality, affordable, high-demand, post-secondary online degrees and credentials that address the workplace needs of Georgia and beyond.

By Austen Clay, anclay@ecampus.usg.edu

Media Contact: Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu

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