Tips for shaking off the winter blues
Between two to three per cent of the general population is affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and an estimated 15 per cent of the population has a milder experience known as the winter blues, as reported by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Seasonal depression is thought to be caused by the alteration of your body’s circadian rhythm and the lack of exposure to sunlight. This means that people who live in countries that experience long, harsh winters can be more easily affected. If you or a loved one have been feeling the effects of the season, try some of the following tips to help alleviate the icy grip of winter.
Wake up early
It can be tempting to stay under the warm covers and skip class or call in sick at work, but oversleeping might only make you feel worse. Instead of rushing around in the morning, give yourself ample time to get ready for the day and make the most of the natural daylight.
Exercise regularly
This task may seem daunting to those who aren’t usually active people, however, it can be as simple as following a stretching routine every morning and evening. If you feel particularly motivated, sign up for an exercise class. For those who are frequent visitors of the gym, though it may be easy to skip a day, make sure to keep your goals in mind and stick to your schedule.
Redecorate
A new look for your room or for yourself can really change your perspective. Rearranging your room or adding some new flair to your hair—whether it’s a bold new haircut or some fresh colour—can brighten up your day.
Take care of a house plant
A cactus or succulent is a great addition that will spruce up your living space and is the perfect plant for those lacking a green thumb.
Try something new
Whether it’s learning how to cook a new dish or finding a new favourite restaurant, the excitement of experiencing something different can be a great motivator.
Maintain a healthy diet
A common symptom of SAD is overeating, which can lead to weight gain. Keeping track of the food you eat and maintaining a healthy diet is key during the slow winter months.
Revisit favourites
Everyone has their personal favourite book, album, or TV show that never fails to cheer them up, whether it’s re-reading The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, singing along to both parts of the duets from the Wicked soundtrack, or watching that episode of The Office you’ve memorized all the lines to for the 100th time.
Write about the good things that happen every day
As Alice Morse Earle said, “Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.” When you write down a happy memory and read about it later, your brain can relive those moments and respond with feelings of happiness.
Treat yo’ self
Go ahead and have that cupcake for your afternoon snack. Buy yourself that pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing at the mall. Indulge in some of those spa products that you received as a holiday gift. Just remember to consider everything in moderation.
Help yourself help others
Compliment your friends or even strangers. Donate your time or money to a local charity. Buddy up with a friend to try out some of these tips together and keep each other on track. Cheering up someone else can be a real mood-booster for yourself as well.
Dealing with seasonal depression can be difficult and everyone handles it differently. While maintaining a positive attitude is essential, sometimes you may need to seek professional help—and that’s okay.
Feature photo by Karen K. Tran.