The last few weeks of winter always seem to drag on, as you wait for spring to finally show itself.
It’s common in the first few months of the year to get the winter blues. For some, especially those who live with mental health issues like depression, and the up to 15% of Canadians who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), these last few months of winter can be torture.
Simply put, the cold can be tough on the mind, body, and spirit.
The good news is that with a bit of intentionality, action, and determination, you can show the winter blues who’s boss.
Here are 3 ways to break this unfortunate seasonal cycle and gain control of how you’re feeling so that you meet spring with renewal and rejuvenation.
Get Your Butt off the Couch & Exercise
This is probably the thing your doctor keeps rattling off to you at every visit, and like many, you’ve likely put off getting that gym membership. But like it or not, exercise is one of the best ways to boost your mood.
The fitness community has long talked about the rumour of the “runner’s high”, the feeling fitness enthusiasts get following a good workout. While the runner’s high has been studied over the years, it was always believed that the feeling is related to the release of endorphins in the brain.
Take a Vacation… or Even a Staycation
Dozens of research studies on physical and mental health have looked at the benefits of taking an annual vacation.
The conclusions of these studies indicate that those who travel feel physically better, complain less about ailments, and build greater life satisfaction. If that’s not reason enough to go on vacation, perhaps the thought of sinking your toes into the hot sand, turning off your phone, and drinking beach cocktails will convince you to buy that plane ticket.
While it may be expensive to go on vacation every year, one way to achieve this goal would be to generate an annual savings plan for the adventure. For example, you can skip a daily expense like purchasing coffee and replace it with homebrew. You’ll be surprised at how much you save!
If a vacation isn’t in the cards, you don’t have to get on a plane to enjoy the feeling of time away from routine.
Plan a “staycation” where you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the feeling of a break. Stay in a nearby hotel for a night or a weekend, try new restaurants, visit museums and art galleries, or go urban exploring. Basically, have a weekend when you turn off your screens and completely unplug.
Set these activities in stone, just like you would a vacation where you fly somewhere, and protect it as valued and needed time. Give yourself a reason to enjoy and appreciate your regular routine by taking a break from it.
Move Towards the Light
When there is a lack of sunlight, people with seasonal depression are said to have higher levels of a transporter neuron, that takes serotonin away from areas of your brain that need it.
Light therapy is an important treatment for SAD. Some people get a light box or a light lamp that helps with exposure and aids in the transmission of serotonin to parts of the brain that need it for mood elevation. For many, however, it’s just about getting Vitamin D and the benefits of the sun in safe and regulated doses.
Vitamin D is a very important compound that is directly correlated to depression when at deficient levels.
Both lifestyle and science communities advocate for Vitamin D as a way to help reduce feelings of depression. So walk in the sun, take on winter activities like skiing on a sunny winter day, or simply stand in the patch of sunlight streaming through your window.
As a bonus, recent investigations into the role of light and intimacy suggest how leaving the light on during sex can increase passion and connection, and you can’t argue with the fact that good sex elevates mood.
Show Mother Nature Who’s Boss
This time of year, if you’re susceptible to the winter blues you have two choices: overcome them, or let them get the best of you. So, why not choose the high road and grab winter by the icicles?
Be creative and dedicated to tackling the winter blues by finding joy in your surroundings. Before you know it spring will be here, and you’ll enter the new season refreshed, and rejuvenated.