You might notice that the cold weather and dwindling daylight is leaving you lethargic, anxious, or downright depressed. And we’re about to have several cold, wet, and dark days back-to-back.
While you may not have seasonal depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — which is a mood disorder affiliated with seasonal changes — these tips could help you keep you out of the doldrums of winter.
- Supplement lost daylight with a light therapy lamp. There are all kinds of lamps or light boxes that provide natural yellow light, and I can personally say they’re helpful — and pretty inexpensive.
- Talk to a physician. If the winter blues are hitting you especially hard, you may have SAD, and medication or various treatments could help.
- Lean into self-soothing practices. A friend recently introduced me to the Danish concept of “hygge,” which essentially means coziness. Yeah, it’s been picked apart by American marketing, but I like the philosophy of being intentional about doing the things that you know increase your well-being.
- Be consistent with your schedule. As social animals, we often thrive with some sort of routine. Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule, which, especially paired with some form of exercise, can go a long way.
- Soak up the sun. Open those curtains! And my fellow night owls, I’m sorry to say it, but we’ve got to try to be awake the whole time the sun is up to make the most of it.
There are lots of lists out there for how to stay healthy during the winter. As we’re approaching the winter solstice in less than a month, write in with your tips: do you have regular social gatherings, or take vitamin D supplements, or do something else specifically to help with seasonal moods? Let me know!
