By: Devansh Ramani, Francis College of Engineering Well-Being Leader

It’s that time of year again — winter. And if there’s one thing we know about New England, it’s that the cold doesn’t hold back. The days get shorter, the air sharper, and the temptation to stay bundled up inside our comfort zones feels stronger than ever.

But while the season invites us to slow down, it also reminds us to take care of ourselves — both physically and mentally. The chill in the air may make us want to hibernate, yet our well-being still needs warmth, movement, and connection.

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Embracing the Stillness

Winter often carries a quiet that no other season has. Streets are calmer, people walk a little faster, and time seems to stretch. It’s easy to see this as a season of pause — and that’s not always a bad thing.

There’s beauty in stillness. It gives us space to reflect, rest, and appreciate the small comforts that summer’s rush often makes us overlook. But stillness shouldn’t mean stagnation. We can honor the season’s calm while keeping our spirits and bodies active in small, intentional ways.

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Moving Through the Cold

Staying active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym every day or running through snow-covered sidewalks. It can be as simple as a morning stretch by the window, a walk around campus or your neighborhood, or even a dance break while you’re making hot cocoa.

The point isn’t perfection — it’s presence. Movement keeps our energy flowing and helps fight the sluggishness that winter can bring. It’s one way of telling ourselves, “I’m still here, still trying, still growing.”

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The Warmth of Connection

Just as important as keeping our bodies moving is keeping our hearts connected. Cold weather can make us retreat inward, but reaching out to friends, classmates, or family — even for a quick chat — can do wonders for our mental health. Talking to people who matter reminds us that we’re not alone in facing the winter blues.

Sometimes, warmth doesn’t come from blankets or heaters — it comes from conversations, laughter, and shared moments.

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Moving Forward

So this winter, let’s make a simple promise to ourselves: Not to let the cold make us complacent. Not to lose sight of our goals or our relationships. And not to forget that every small effort counts — whether it’s a walk, a call, or just taking a deep breath and stepping outside.

Winter may be cold, but it also carries its own kind of renewal. Let’s embrace it — not by fighting the season, but by finding our balance within it.

“Even in the coldest days, we can still create our own warmth.”