A recent study of 2,000 workers, conducted by Promotur in England, suggests that 52 percent will struggle to complete their work today and 14 percent admitted being spoken to about their slackerness by their boss last year.

“The Winter Blues are no joke, “ said British doctor and television host, Dr. Christian Jessen. “They can affect your work performance by making you unable to concentrate and carry out your normal routine, your relationship by affecting your libido and your social life by making you feel irritable and anti-social.”

A spokesperson for Promotur said, “The results of this survey show that the lack of light during the winter months in England does have a major impact on health and productivity.”

Us Americans can relate too.  For many, the fall and winter months are synonymous with darkness and gloominess, which can easily affect our emotions.  How many of us say, “It’s a good day to curl up in bed” whenever it’s a rainy or cold day? I can think of 5 people off the top of my head (including myself).

So it seems that the “winter blues” (or Seasonal Affective Disorder) really do exist.  After hearing this term mentioned on TV a few years ago, I attributed my lack of productivity to this energy-zapping monster, only to be ridiculed by my closest friends.  But according to this research, I’m not alone. Ha!  I am normal, and the reasons for my laziness are clearly defined and supported by this (read: GENIUS) study.

Not everyone has to remain useless due to the winter blues.  Here are some ways to deal with your unproductiveness:

1.  Write an essay for your English class discussing ways to be more productive
2.  Install eco-friendly, flourescent light bulbs in your room, to ward off feelings of gloominess
3. Plan a trip with your friends to a sunny vacation spot when the dark months arrive

If you must succumb to the evils of the day, here are some ways to remain unproductive:

1.  Take a nap
2.  Reorganize your sock drawer
3.  Don’t study for your upcoming exam