Winter has Arrived! — Behind The Ivy

As I’m writing this, it’s officially forty-four days away from winter, but Toronto receives a snowstorm anyway. On a day like today, I am drinking soup and eating grilled cheese for lunch in my coziest sweater, huddled under my blanket. While the first snowfall is a lovely sight, I think the majority of us would agree that after a while, we are just over it. We all know how long Canadian winters can be!

Certain animals get to hibernate during the winter, but we don't. However, the winter weather can still change our lifestyle. We have to put on our many layers of clothing, leave our house ten minutes earlier because of the terrible traffic and walking conditions, and face the cold. When Havergal students were asked to complete a survey about winter, one student even said her least favourite part of the season was the cold car seats when you are driving to school! For some of us, our favorite activities are eliminated when winter rolls around. We no longer want to go out for lunch or run to Starbucks, and we can't go out for ice cream with our friends.

For others, winter brings an enormous amount of joy. 35% of respondents reported winter as their favorite season. Whether it’s being able to stare out a classroom window and see nothing but snow, or the holiday activities, winter can be awesome! Winter sports begin, and we can take some time out of homework to play around in the snow.

While there are certainly positives to wintertime, there are also changes to our lifestyles and the way we are affected by winter that can be helpful to be aware of. Picture this: it’s only 6:30 PM, it's pitch black outside, and you still have to complete your homework. Many survey respondents reported feeling less productive and motivated when it is cold. My biggest tip to stay productive in the bleak winter months would be to keep warm. Have a hot cup of tea when you are doing your homework, sit on a carpet, and wear a cozy sweater or slippers!

50% of Havergal students said their eating habits change in the wintertime. We go from eating salads, ice cream, and barbeques to hot soups, chilis, and roasts. However, many feel that their eating habits get worse. Winter also signals the start of the holiday season, therefore it is easy to indulge in pies, Christmas cookies, and hot chocolate. A Grade 10 student mentioned that she finds herself eating more in the winter to fight off the cold. While our eating habits can be influenced by these things, it can also be affected by our brain. While humans don’t hibernate, they still receive hibernation signals from the brain that impact metabolism, resulting in potential weight gain. It is not something to be worried about as long as you are aware of what you're eating and staying active. In no way am I saying you can't eat ginger cookies and candy canes: just don't over-indulge!

Socializing can also be impacted by the weather. Most people reported going out less . Students mentioned how difficult it can be to find fun things to do in negative twenty-five degree weather accompanied by fifteen-plus centimetres of snow on the ground. On the flipside, when there is a significant amount of snow, winter sports such as skiing can result in families going away every weekend, meaning certain students cannot meet up with friends on winter weekends.

Winter isn't just a huge pile of snow and darkness. It can also be seen as a beautiful season filled with special festivities. I encourage you to focus on the opportunities, rather than the limitations. See winter as a time to stay home and enjoy some quiet time to relax, or to have a night in with your family! I wish everyone an amazing winter, even if it may be over four months long!