If you are from any climate that experiences even the slightest winter you have probably heard the term “seasonal depression,” and may have even experienced it. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is something that affects people all over the world. Being someone from the Northeast I have experienced my fair share of winter storms. Unlike most, I have personally always enjoyed the snow and gloominess of the winter months. The way it brings a certain stillness to the day after a storm and an overall quietness that has yet to be matched for me. However, I am not unaware that for others it could bring a not-so-nice gloominess, and really impact people’s mental health.
The lack of sunlight, feeling stuck at home (especially if you are not particularly fond of your roommates), and overall depressive feelings can be hard to combat. I recently experienced the most snow, in a short amount of time, that I will probably ever encounter again. It ruined plans, crushed expectations, and left a feeling of overall helplessness. Stuck, upset and disappointed were all emotions I was confronting in a very condensed amount of time. Luckily, and unlike most, I was able to pack up my home on wheels and escape to, what I am now learning a west coast winter to be like. Basically, it feels like the start of spring every day. (like really amazing, why did it take me so long to be in California during the winter) This past week of blizzards however got me thinking, what if we couldn’t pack up and move out so easily…what if we had to deal with that weather for a substantial amount of weeks, and how would I feel at the end of it?
So, if you or anyone you know are currently dealing with this type of lack of sunshine, feeling stuck inside, or overall discontent with your climate for the time being, here are some ways that might help bring back that pep in your step! (before making any rash decisions like completely uprooting and relocating to a warmer climate )
The first thing that comes to mind would be a happy light, therapy light, or depression light.
Whatever you want to call it, it is basically a lamp that emits light waves that mimic sunlight. Who doesn’t want more sunlight?! The reason this is number one on my list is my experience with a lack of sunlight. During my several years living in Brooklyn, I was at one point living in an apartment where I had a room with no windows. (I’m pretty sure this is illegal in most places but NYC rent is a different breed) I never knew what time it was, getting up was basically impossible, and overall it was just sad.
Thankfully there are a lot of options when it comes to these lamps that include a pretty extensive budget range. If you have been stuck in your house, needing a bright pick me up, one of these lamps might be the perfect thing to set on your bedside table, desk, or wherever you find yourself spending the most time. Or, just buy a few and set them up all over your space! Additionally, adding some vitamin D-rich food to your diet around this time of the year can also help. Salmon, tuna, herring, and sardines are some ways to incorporate vitamin D into your diet and for vegetarians, mushrooms are a great option.
Movement is my second tip!
When going outside hurts your face, your motivation to go on a walk, get to the gym, or just be outside depletes. This makes sense, but there are great at-home alternatives that can get you moving. A lack of movement can also affect your sleep patterns, and a lack of sleep can affect your productivity and mood. Movement can also give you a boost of serotonin, “serotonin is a chemical messenger that’s believed to act as a mood stabilizer. It’s said to help produce healthy sleeping patterns as well as boost your mood.” All good things in combating SAD!
Try searching for at-home workouts on Youtube and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the range of options you have at your fingertips. Personally, I love the dance exercise videos because I forget about the “working out” part and end up just having a lot of fun.
Stay social!
While sitting on social media and scrolling endlessly might not be the best option when you are finding yourself feeling down, alternatively connecting with individuals you care about can be very helpful. Depression and anxiety usually go hand in hand with loneliness. Not wanting to feel like a burden or feeling like no one cares can heighten these feelings of isolation. Reaching out to friends or family members that you feel comfortable confiding in or just letting loose and chatting can really help your moods.
Try creating a personal social media page where you can follow positive accounts and post things that make you feel good, no overthinking-just post! (No one has to follow it either, just a personal account solely for yourself!)
FaceTime and video chats are also great ways to feel connected in a time of disconnect. The point is communication is important, and if you are still struggling to decide whom to talk to, or feel like you want to talk about stuff that your friends and family might not understand, talk therapy is always a great option that can be done from the comfort of your home.
Lastly here are some mini things to implement in the winter when your normal hobbies are on a seasonal pause…
It’s not always about making major life changes, but rather being aware of how you spend your time and adding new things to your days.
–Try picking up a new hobby. As we get older we tend to forget the little joys in life. We get so caught up in our day-to-day tasks and never end up switching things up. Joining a book club, trying a new art medium, following a cooking channel on YouTube, fostering animals, or just going to your local ASPCA to support somehow are just a few of the endless possibilities to try during the winter…and if you enjoy any or all you can carry these new hobbies into any season.
–Journaling and writing are very easy ways to switch up your routine. It can leave you in a positive mood, it could open you up to an idea you may not have realized you had and it can be extremely therapeutic. If you are unsure what to write about there are millions of prompts in any genre at your disposal online all the time. Try searching journal prompts on Pinterest!
-If possible, Get away! A lot of people wait until summer to do their vacations but what with the holidays and weather, getting away in the winter might be the perfect time for a mini-break or a trip. Leaving the country or flying a few states away may not even be necessary. Even changing your environment slightly could do the trick. There are many unique stay options on apps like Airbnb and Vrbo that can quickly switch up your vibe.
And finally, try skipping the alcohol and trying other drinks. During this time it seems natural for people to increase their drinking because of many reasons but something to remember is that alcohol is a depressant. Personally, I just love the idea of drinking things that are fun and new. Drinking water all day gets boring. There are great nonalcoholic drinks that you can have fun with minus the booze. Kombucha is a fermented tea that I would switch out for a beer if that’s your drink, and if you’re more into the hard liquors and like mixing yourself up a cocktail don’t feel like you have to quit being a mixologist. Either leave the alcohol out of the recipes or find seltzer’s/juices/nonalcoholic liquors to supplement with. There are also drinks you may never have thought to try! I really enjoy experimenting with matcha, smoothies/juices, kombuchas and tea, and of course coffee but I would probably keep that as a morning drink. (to aid your sleep schedule!)
With all this said, it is easy to get caught up in the seasons, and mentally feel like it is never going to end. It is important to remember that seasons come and go and that the next one is always right around the corner. If you are still feeling some type of way or SAD, try filling your space with visual reminders of happy things for you! Places that remind you of warmth and things you are looking forward to in the coming seasons.
But if these feelings are ever too much to handle and you don’t see an end in sight, it is important to reach out to a doctor, 911, or family/friends in these instances, and most importantly know that you are not alone. This is a real thing that people all around are experiencing. Stay warm and stay golden ❤️
