This post provides 7 ways to fight seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seasonal depression is common during the winter months, causing feelings of sadness, fatigue, and isolation.
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*I am not a licensed medical professional. If you have any questions or concerns about your mental or physical health, contact a licensed provider.
What is Seasonal Depression?
This topic is formally known as “seasonal affective disorder” (SAD), but is commonly referred to as seasonal depression. In certain regions, the winter months mean the temperature drops, and we experience less sunlight in a day. This change of the seasons can have a negative effect on individuals including over-tiredness, depression, isolation, and feelings of sadness. These are similar symptoms found in people with clinical depression.
About 5% of adults experience seasonal affective disorder, and studies show it is more common among women than men.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with a licensed medical professional. Click the link below to view some helpful mental health resources.
7 Ways to Fight Seasonal Depression
1. Light Therapy
Light therapy is the use of artificial light to mimic natural outdoor light. This device is proven to improve mood and energy levels, similar to effects from spending time outside in the sun. It is recommended to use light therapy after you wake up, for a period up to 30 minutes.
2. Beat Cabin Fever
Staying inside for long periods of time can result in cabin fever. This can feel lonely and isolating. To avoid cabin fever this winter, get out of the house, and spend time with friends. Socialization is one of the best cures for cabin fever.
3. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise does wonders for your physical and mental health. Exercise releases happy hormones in your brain including serotonin and dopamine, which boosts your mood. Regular exercise also keeps your body, bones, and joints healthy so you can go on more adventures when the weather breaks.
4. Embrace Winter Activities
Winter is known for specific outdoor activities that cannot be done any other time of year. Make time to participate in winter specific activities to embrace the season and have more fun in the cold. Below are some winter activity ideas that you’re never too old for.
- sledding
- build a snowman
- skiing / snowboarding
- snowmobile riding
- ice fishing
- winter hiking
- have a snowball fight
5. Cook Healthy Meals
Eating healthy is an important form of self care that makes you feel good inside and out. Making healthy meals is a great way to spend your time on a cold winter day, and will make you feel great. Light a candle, put on your favorite movie, and try a new recipe.
6. Fill Your Space With Life
Indoor plants change the energy of your space and add life to your home. It is proven that indoor plants provide positive energy boosting your mood, increasing productivity, and reducing stress. They also clean the air inside your home.
7. Consume Healthy Media
It is important to consume media that influences you to think positively and productively. There is plenty of media that does the opposite of this, causing you to fall into bad habits such as scrolling for hours. True crime podcasts, reality television, and video games are great in moderation, but switching out some of this media for a self development podcast or a success story documentary will support a healthy mind.
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