In the 1993 cult-classic “Groundhog Day,” Bill Murray relives the same day of his life on a seemingly infinite loop in a sentimental quest to, as the trailer announces, “gain some karmic — and comic — insight into his life.” Murray spends the movie stuck in a so-called “time warp,” trying to break free from a never-ending cycle that ultimately alters his perspective on the world around him.

In a strange way I feel a connection to Murray. I’m not a cynical weatherman stationed in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, but I have experienced an excessive sense of monotony. This isn’t to say that I don’t enjoy my day-to-day escapades at Parker, but rather that there seems to be an unshakable repetitiveness to our community in the heart of winter.

The pattern of life dominated by school is often difficult to overcome. My weekdays are defined by a cycle of “school, homework, sleep,” and my weekends by a repetition of “procrastinate, homework, sleep,” punctuated almost exclusively by occasional breaks for meals or friends.

While these cycles are not exclusive to winter, the monotony peaks from December to March. Seasonal factors such as shorter days and frigid weather influence activities such as athletic commitment (I’m a fall and spring athlete) and extracurricular involvement. The changes in outdoor and indoor environment are lethal, working to make my daily carousel spin once more.

According to 7th Grade Science teacher Kara Schupp, the leading causes of this mindset are likely a lack of sunshine, outdoor time, and exercise. Schupp explained to me that these three factors often serve as mood boosters, causing your body to release adrenaline and other chemicals associated with positive dispositions. During long Chicago winters, Schupp said, exercise is the best method to improve moods, giving an upper hand to winter athletes.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been making a deliberate attempt to fight my monotony. Through a conscious effort to shake-up my daily schedule and consolidate my workload as much as possible at night, I’ve noticed a change.

By participating a bit more in Model UN or setting aside some time to play the ukulele — I’m working on my rendition of “American Pie,” — I’ve considerably improved my days. Finding space to pursue your passions and creating meaningful leisure time is key.

Perhaps the true monotony is not repetition itself, but unwanted repetition. Athletics and extracurriculars don’t often feel boring because they’re activities I’ve selected. But monotony is often mandatory, found in school days and homework rather than soccer matches and Model UN symposia. While scientific factors certainly play a role, I’d like to think that the psychological elements of mental well-being are additionally important.

If unwanted business is the culprit behind monotony, the solution becomes finding ways to inject our days with variety and personal significance. My 20th baseball practice is far more interesting than my 20th math class because I enjoy baseball a great deal more than math.

In addition to making personal changes, it’s vital that we consider what adjustments can be made for the at-large Parker community. Systemic support would surely a step towards towards collective relief.

Why don’t we host a second ClubFair to reintroduce students to the extracurricular opportunities awaiting them? I believe that creating opportunities such as a regularly meeting workout group for out-of-season athletes or an after-school series on topics like cooking would be a fantastic step in the right direction. We could host a weekly movie series (maybe screen “Groundhog Day”?) or even finally implement the J-Term that inexplicably comes up every year. The point is that we have options. There are ways to remove our winter gloom.

As we endure this seemingly endless winter, prophesied by Punxsutawney Phil, it’s important to remember what we can do to make life a bit more enjoyable, lively, and unique.