How to Combat Seasonal Depression
You can successfully fight seasonal depression by being aware of both your behavior and environment. Make a conscious effort to boost your own spirits and refrain from slipping into a rut.
Seasonal depression is a more common term for a condition named SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). SAD is a recurrent depression that often happens in late fall and winter months. Contrary to widespread belief, you can effectively fend off seasonal depression long before you start getting down.
Try these techniques to keep seasonal depression at bay:
- Rekindle your social life. Being socially active is an essential part of keeping up your spirits during the wintertime.
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- Have a weekly dinner with your friends. If the weather is awful, host a dinner in your home or head over to your friends’ house for a nice evening. If the weather allows head out for a weekly cocktail night with the girls or poker night with the boys.
- Make your own sunshine. Purchase sunlamps that mimic the rays of the sun. Light therapy is among the highest recommended treatments for seasonal depression.
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- Sunlamps can cost anywhere from $100 to $250. However, the special sunlamp spare bulbs can cost as little as $10 for a pack of three.
- Adapting to life changes. If your children have moved out recently or if you have had a separation, the effects on your emotions can be more intense during the cold, dreary months. Find a way to communicate with your children on a regular basis that still gives them their space.
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- Find new hobbies that will fascinate and energize you day in and day out, such as joining a yoga class or getting involved at a local YMCA. If possible, involve a partner in your new hobbies.
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle
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- Go on vacation. Head to a warm, sandy beach for a fresh look on life. Pack your bags and take a two-week holiday to Florida, Hawaii, or even a cruise in the Bahamas. Just two weeks, or even less if your schedule is tight, will make a world of a difference in your mood.
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- If money is an issue, consider skipping your summer vacation in favor of a yearly winter vacation. Generally, SAD recurs every winter. Instead of fleeing your home during the warm summer months, think of a winter vacation as your secret weapon in your battle against seasonal depression.
- Take care of your appearance. When you look good, you feel good. Try to exercise daily, eat well on a regular basis, and maintain a healthy skincare regimen. Also, wear clothes that flatter your figure, rather than frumpy clothing that makes you look bigger or are clearly way too tight.
You can successfully fight seasonal depression by being aware of both your behavior and environment. Make a conscious effort to boost your own spirits and refrain from slipping into a rut. Of course, if you fear that you are suffering from SAD, contact a physician to ensure that your condition is safely treated and whether you need medication or not.
With some modifications, you can survive – and even thrive – through the gloomy winter months. Spring approaching and the sunny weather and the new outlook you crave can be yours, even before spring gets here.
