Winter Fatigue Does Not Have to Defeat Us. Psychologists: The Key Is Activity Tailored to the Individual
Seasonal drops in energy can be effectively alleviated, but there is no single method that works for everyone, psychologists emphasize. In their view, the most important thing is to find an activity that matches our needs, temperament, and current life situation. Full engagement is equally important: only then can we genuinely "recharge our batteries."
During the winter period, many people complain of fatigue, drowsiness, and low mood. Short days, limited access to daylight, and low temperatures all contribute to declining energy levels. Specialists point out, however, that although a lack of light has an adverse effect on everyone, the ways of coping with this problem should be individualized.
As Prof. Małgorzata Dobrowolska explained in a statement to the Newseria agency, it is crucial to recognize one’s own circadian rhythm and avoid thoughtlessly copying other people’s solutions. What helps one person—for example, meditation or focused work—will not necessarily work for someone with a different temperament and a greater need for movement.
Psychologists stress that it is worth seeking out activities that genuinely bring pleasure and stimulate action. For some, this may mean massage and investing in bodily well-being; for others, sport, fitness, martial arts, or developing a new hobby. The essence lies not in the specific form of leisure chosen, but in how well it is suited to one’s individual predispositions.
Experts also note that the mere decision to take up an activity is not enough. For it to produce the desired effect, it should be pursued with full commitment. According to psychologists, it is precisely this intense, conscious participation in a chosen activity that generates the energy needed to combat seasonal exhaustion.
In this context, Prof. Dobrowolska refers to the theory of Schaufeli and Bakker, according to which one of the key sources of energy is engagement in one’s activities. Whether this concerns work, rest, time with family, or everyday rituals, full presence and concentration can strengthen motivation and improve well-being.
"Someone may choose massages and invest in bodily well-being, while someone else may say: I’d like to find a hobby, for example I’ll sign up for martial arts, shooting, or fitness. The whole idea is to tailor this activity to who we are and what we need, but once we decide to do something, let us do it one hundred percent, because that will generate energy within us and allow us to fight seasonal drops in energy," says Prof. Małgorzata Dobrowolska.
"We draw energy not only from food, drink, and light, but also from engagement itself. It has three beautiful components: first, vigor, which gives us a positive vibe; second, absorption, entering a deep state of flow; and finally dedication, meaning a sense of purpose in what we do. This is the most sensible direction for today: find an activity that gives you a flow effect—that is, a sense of awakening, stimulation, and positive energy," adds the psychotherapist.
As the psychotherapist explains, engagement consists of three elements: vigor, meaning energy and a "good vibe"; absorption, which leads to a state of flow; and dedication, understood as a sense of meaning in what we do. It is the combination of these factors that is meant to support the recovery of strength and the building of lasting resilience to seasonal drops in energy.
According to specialists, the best strategy for coping with the winter slump is therefore to seek out one’s own "elements"—forms of activity that awaken, engage, and provide satisfaction. In practice, this means moving away from fashionable universal prescriptions in favor of consciously choosing what truly works in our individual case.
