February Slump: Why Your Student May Be Struggling Right Now
Posted on February, 17, 2025 by Susan Schaefer, M.Ed., M.A.T, Founder & CEOFebruary, the shortest month of the year feels like the longest. Depending on where you live, it can feel like winter will never end, it gets dark so early, and the long stretch until spring break feels never-ending. No wonder your student, and maybe yourself, seems less motivated, more exhausted, or even a little under the weather. Welcome to the dreaded “February slump.”
What Is the February Slump?
The February slump is that mid-year drag when students feel burned out, overwhelmed, and unmotivated. The combination of dreary winter weather, a heavy workload, and the lack of upcoming breaks can make even the most driven students struggle. Many also find themselves catching colds or battling seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can make even getting out of bed overwhelming.
Sarah is a college sophomore who started the semester strong but suddenly found herself struggling to keep up with assignments, feeling constantly exhausted, skipping classes, and snapping at her mom over small things. Her parents initially thought she was just being moody and falling into her old habits, but when they sat down to talk, they realized she was feeling overwhelmed and missing the motivation she had at the start of the year.
Signs Your Student May Be Struggling:
- Increased fatigue and low energy
- Declining motivation and procrastination
- More stress or anxiety about schoolwork
- Trouble focusing or completing assignments
- More frequent illness or feeling generally unwell
How Parents Can Help
Even though you can’t change their school schedule or the season, you can support them in simple but meaningful ways:
1. Just Listen – Sometimes all they need is someone to listen without advice or judgement. Asking what they feel would help, builds resilience and fosters a feeling of control. If they struggle with coming up with ideas, brainstorming by asking open-ended questions is a good way to get the ball rolling.
2. Encourage Rest and Healthy Habits – Sleep, nutrition, and movement are key. Remind them to get enough rest, eat nutritious meals, and take movement breaks. Scheduling time to go to the gym, a short walk, trying a yoga class, or even stretching can boost their mood and energy.
3. Acknowledge Their Feelings- Sometimes, students just need to hear that what they’re feeling is normal. Let them know that this is a tough time for many students and that it’s okay to struggle.
4. Help Them Break Down Tasks – The workload can feel overwhelming, so encourage them to break it into smaller, manageable steps. A quick chat about their priorities might help them see a clearer path forward.
5. Plan Something to Look Forward To – A small reward—whether it’s a weekend trip home, a dinner out, or even just watching a favorite movie together—can provide motivation to push through the slump.
6. Encourage Social Connection- Isolation can make things worse. Encourage them to spend time with friends, even if it’s just a study session or grabbing coffee.
The Takeaway
Sarah’s parents listened to her and ended up planning a weekend break back at home and did some of her favorite things together (shopping of course) and made sure to do quick check-ins throughout the week that weren’t always asking about school. Sarah slowly regained her energy and finished the semester strong.
The February slump is real, but it won’t last forever. With a little encouragement, structure, and care, your student can push through this challenging time and finish the school year strong. Sometimes, just knowing they have your support can make all the difference!
If you feel it’s more than a slump and suspect their mental health is declining, you may need to assist in setting up an appointment with the counseling services at school or explore private professional help.