Staying positive and motivated throughout the cold, dreary and depressing months of winter can be difficult. Such a feat would require conscious efforts on the part of the individual to remain driven and optimistic.

Teenagers can have an especially difficult time with this, since they field high amounts of stress and work at the same time. Therefore, on the occasional snow day, a glimpse of unburdened freedom before being plunged back into the mundane routine of school, only adds to feelings of hopelessness and giving up. Much stress is also brought on by the overhanging knowledge of upcoming midterms and exams.

Although feelings of apathy and despondency are common, there are several ways that students can cope by setting sights on the good to come in the future, and also appreciating the little things in life.

Some people find that forcing themselves to stay busy works best for them.

“Just keep your goals in mind,” junior Rebecca Pierce said. “Make a schedule for when you study, and don’t lose sight of the whole purpose of going to school.”

Others find that surrounding themselves with family and friends works best.

“[Find ways to keep] distracted from all the negative things that there are around,” senior Garreth Smith said. “Keep yourself around supportive friends and family that will keep you sane.”

Sometimes, the best thing that one can do is find something in the future to be excited about and fixate one’s hopes on in order to be motivated to push through undesirable tasks.

Senior Michael Fiumano recommended finding things to look forward to as a good way to cope, such as releases of movies, TV shows, books or games; anything that would be of personal interest.

In addition, students can find the little things to be grateful for that make them happy.

“I like to drink a lot of coffee,” junior Ava Maghouli said. “I like to lay down on the couch with my blanket and watch a lot of TV;  I read books. [Just] do whatever you’ve got to do to get through your day. It is important to stay positive.”

For some, the best thing to do is put things into perspective. Problems that are faced today will, in many cases, not carry forward far into the future.

“If it’s something that won’t necessarily matter in 10 or 20 years, and you don’t like it, think about [if it will exist in] the future,” junior Sophia Ransom said. “If it’s not going to matter, then why bother [worrying about] it?”