How to Overcome Seasonal Depression
This is the time of year when many people feel sad, anxious, and overwhelmed. It’s normal to have low energy when the days are shorter and darker, but if you’re feeling more than just a bit down, you could be suffering from seasonal depression. I personally, don’t like how the sun goes down super early during the fall and winter months. Usually around 4 pm, my entire mood dips.
Maybe you feel the same, which is why I thought to encourage you with this blog post.
Let more sunlight in.
Now that we’ve established the importance of sunlight, let’s talk about how you can get more of it. Get outside as much as possible. You don’t have to go on a long walk every day, but a few minutes outside is better than nothing.
If you can, maybe open up the windows and let some fresh air in your home. Even if it feels like winter outside, your body needs fresh air! Go for a walk in the park (or somewhere else green and natural). Even if you’re going slow, just being outside will make you feel better!
Accept your feelings and be patient with yourself.
Accept your feelings. It’s important to realize that your emotional struggles are real and valid. If you don’t feel like yourself, or if your mood has changed drastically, it’s okay to allow yourself to accept this and feel the way that you do. Don’t be too hard on yourself; self-compassion is especially important during this time of year as it can help alleviate feelings of shame or guilt (which are often associated with seasonal depression).
Be patient with the process. It may take some time before seeking professional help feels like an appropriate step for you—and that’s okay! There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to addressing seasonal depression, so be patient with yourself and give yourself permission not just to accept what you’re experiencing but also explore different ways in which treatment could work best for you (whether through therapy sessions, medication support from a doctor/psychologist or both).
Have a routine and stick to it.
A routine can help you feel more in control of your life, and can give you something to look forward to each day. For example, make sure your routine includes some time for relaxation or meditation. It’s also a good idea to include regular exercise—even just 20 minutes per day can have a big impact on how good you feel overall.
Try to make your routine as realistic and achievable as possible. For example, if getting up early every morning makes it hard for you to sleep at night, try waking up 15 minutes earlier than usual instead of half an hour earlier.
When picking out what part of your routine will be most beneficial for overcoming seasonal depression symptoms, consider finding activities that are enjoyable and relaxing for both body and mind (e.g., reading).
Get moving
If you’re feeling the effects of seasonal depression, you should know that exercise is one of the best ways to combat it. Not only can it help improve your mood, but it can also improve your sleep and reduce stress.
Keep calm and get creative.
Many people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder find that it’s helpful to stay calm and get creative with a few creative hobbies. I personally have an adult coloring book – and I also like to practice hand lettering. A few other creative hobbies that you can also try are cooking, writing, or playing an instrument. And when it comes to keeping calm and relaxing, pick up a book or watch one of your favorite movies.
Work through the feelings of seasonal depression gently, with self-care and compassion for yourself.
Don’t let seasonal depression get you down! It can be hard, but it’s also manageable and treatable.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life, especially during the holidays. But getting depressed or anxious about it won’t help you cope. Instead, you need a plan for how to deal with seasonal depression and anxiety so that you can feel better.
