With the temperature dropping and daylight hours dwindling, it can be easy to feel your motivation do the same. As a member of the Office of Student Services at Harvard Griffin GSAS, and as someone who navigated graduate school here myself, I know that the winter season can bring highs and lows as changeable as the weather.
When I first moved from Orlando, Florida to Cambridge to begin my PhD, I was filled with excitement . . . and nerves. It was my first time living away from my hometown, and between adjusting to a new city, new academic expectations, and the pressures of midterm season, I quickly realized that another major challenge awaited me: the New England winter. The 4:30 p.m. sunsets and below-freezing wind chills were a stark contrast to the seemingly endless summers that I’d previously developed my routine (and wardrobe) around. In time, I learned that maintaining balance and well-being during this seasonal transition meant finding ways to stay active and connected, both indoors and outdoors. Fortunately, Harvard and the surrounding Cambridge area offer plenty of opportunities to keep moving, enjoy the crisp, fresh air, and reset as the light begins to fade earlier each day.
Athletics and Recreation for Staying Active Indoors
Harvard Recreation offers an array of ways to stay active regardless of the weather. Students can take advantage of the facilities and equipment across the Malkin Athletic Center (MAC), Hemenway Gymnasium, and Blodgett Pool, which all remain open through the winter months. If you enjoy the camaraderie of a group workout, fitness classes that offer free yoga, cycling, barre, strength training, and more are also available throughout the week. Whether you’re looking to build endurance, unwind after a long day in the lab, or simply establish a routine, these options can help you maintain physical health and mental clarity even as outdoor exercise becomes less accessible.
Outdoor Spots for Scenic Physical Activity
Even in the colder months, the outdoors in and around Cambridge can provide a refreshing change of scenery. The Charles River paths offer some of the most picturesque walking, running, and biking routes in the area, especially beautiful when the sun sets over the water. Cambridge Common and John F. Kennedy Park remain inviting green spaces for short walks or a few minutes of reflection between classes. On weekends, the Arnold Arboretum and Middlesex Fells Reservation are ideal for longer hikes or slow strolls through nature. These options provide mini getaways that can clear your head and remind you that winter has its own kind of beauty.
Mind-Body Wellness Resources
Physical wellness is closely tied to mental and emotional health, and Harvard’s Center for Wellness and Health Promotion provides several options to support both. The Center offers Tai Chi Chuan and mindfulness and meditation sessions, services such as chair massage and acupuncture, and workshops on sleep, managing stress, and more. Participating in these programs can help you stay grounded, centered, and physically relaxed during busy or high-stress times in the semester.
Small Daily Changes to Make Big Impacts
Movement and mindfulness don’t always have to be intense workouts or require carving out large blocks of time. Recent work by Harvard-affiliated researchers suggests that every two hours per day of light-intensity physical activity is associated with an increase in the odds of healthy aging. You can incorporate daily practices into your academic routine in easy but meaningful ways, like taking advantage of some sunshine during short tasks or Zoom calls, scheduling walking meetings or study breaks with peers, or breaking between classes to stretch and reset. Building these small habits into your day can help sustain energy, focus, and well-being throughout the year.
Seeking Support This Winter and Beyond
As the days change, it’s natural to feel your rhythm shift. But with a bit of planning and intentionality, this season can also become one of renewal and resilience. Whether you’re cycling in a studio, walking by the river, or practicing mindfulness in a quiet room, you’re investing in your wellbeing and setting yourself up to stay strong and balanced, no matter the season.
And remember, if you ever find yourself struggling with the seasonal transition or facing challenges that feel overwhelming, my colleagues and I at the Office of Student Services are always here to help you navigate both the changing weather and the growing pains that may come with it.
