A person who says that the weather doesn’t affect their mood is probably lying. When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, we naturally have more energy and feel more positive. On the other hand, when it starts getting colder and rainier, we tend to get more melancholic and depressed. Thus, the concept of seasonal depression is born.
We all suffer from seasonal depression in some way, as it is only natural to withdraw indoors and slowly start hibernating once the weather starts getting worse. Still, this doesn’t mean it’s healthy. If you can’t seem to get a grip on your seasonal depression, maybe these tips will help.
1. Discovering new things
One of the reasons people succumb to seasonal depression is because they feel they’re stuck in a loop. Having a routine and sticking to it is fine until it starts suffocating you. This is why you should try and discover new things this time of year. Take up a new hobby, try something you’ve never tried before, or just take a walk to a part of town you don’t know so well.
You can also always pretend to be a tourist in your own city. This way, you can amuse yourself and have fun in a whole new way which is bound to snap you out of the depression.
2. Exercise
The best way to get rid of negative emotions is to sweat them out. You won’t have more success beating seasonal depression than with proper exercise. Whether it’s running, going to the gym, or doing a home workout, you’re going to feel much better after it. Exercise prompts the production of happy hormones and makes you feel more energized and happier in the long run.
If you don’t have an exercise routine already, maintaining one will definitely be hard in the beginning. Still, with a good schedule and a lot of discipline, you’ll manage just fine.
3. Resting
Even though it may sound counterintuitive, resting can actually do you some good. Sometimes, the only reason why you’re experiencing seasonal depression is that you’re actually burnt out. That means that you need to actually rest your mind and body for a period of time before you can function properly and fully again. The best thing you can do for yourself in this situation isn’t watching Netflix all day- it’s fixing your sleep schedule.
When we’re tired, our cognitive function isn’t at its best. All the problems we have are intensified and the reality we experience seems to be much more unbearable than it actually is. Sleeping regularly and sleeping well is what’s going to fix this, as your brain and body will have time to heal and rejuvenate. With proper rest, you’ll be able to kick seasonal depression to the side very easily.
4. Nutrition
Eating well is always important, but it’s especially important during this period. You need nutrients that will keep your body and mind running. Energy is your best friend during the depression season, which is why you should choose foods like fruits and veggies that will give you the boost you need. That being said, it’s also important to take care of gut health.
Ingesting a lot of junk food has surely left a mark on your gut, which is why you may even consider taking natural supplements. Supplements made from natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar by That Hippie Co will kickstart your gut into gear. This is a much better choice for gut health as apple cider vinegar naturally rejuvenates the mucosa of the stomach.
5. A heart to heart
The thing is, you’re not the only one going through seasonal depression. There are high chances that your friends are feeling exactly the same way. Having a heart to heart conversation with a friend may help you greatly, as it will show you that you’re not alone. There’s no one that understands seasonal depression better than someone who’s also going through it.
Opening up to someone will also help because you won’t feel like you’re holding everything inside anymore. Even if they can’t offer a concrete solution, they’ll still be able to listen and understand where you’re coming from. Let’s not forget that you’ll also be helping that same friend. That’s ground for building relationships and stronger friendships, so having a heart to heart is a win-win-win situation.
Conclusion
As you can see, the seasonal depression doesn’t have to keep you in one place. Getting out of bed and doing things is still possible, even if the weather is less than agreeable. You don’t have to succumb to your brain and the call of hibernation and sadness just because the time of year calls for it. We’re confident that you can still have an enjoyable season if you pay attention to your mental and physical health properly.
