From Gloom to Glow: Essential Tips for Managing the Winter Blues
"Even in the darkest night, hope is the brightest star." - Unknown
Some of us are more sensitive than others when it comes to change.
Depending on where you live, the seasons are the most consistent form of change you may experience. Year after year, during certain months, there is a shift in climate; from temperature, to light, to landscape.
One such shift is the transition from fall to winter.
For many people, the dread of winter begins well before the shortest day of the year. The shift from long, sunny, warm days to shorter, cooler, and greyer days can feel gradual and unsettling.
Every year in the United States, about 5% of the population experiences seasonal depression. [National Institute of Mental Health]
It isn’t restricted to winter, but for the sake of this post, we are discussing winter depression.
"Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the "winter blues, "is a subtype of depression or bipolar disorder that occurs and ends around the same time every year. Seasonal depression typically occurs when the seasons change and most symptoms begin in the fall and continue into the winter months. However, seasonal depression can occur in the summer or spring, although this is less common." [Mental Health America]
Do you struggle with Seasonal Depression? Schedule a consultation today and secure support for this upcoming winter!
A good signal that it is time to get ready for this transitional period is for U.S. Daylight Saving Time ending in November. We can use this as a reminder to prepare for the upcoming winter months ahead.
3 Tips to Prepare Your Mind and Body for the Change
Movement
Being active has several benefits for our mental and physical health. When the days become shorter and outside is colder, motivation for staying active can decrease.
Be intentional about choosing activities that can help you to get movement into the day, without feeling like a burden. Ideally, it is a form of activity that feels good.
Light
We have access to less light in the winter. This can have a negative effect on the body’s sleep-wake cycle, impacting our mood.
Consider purchasing a Sunlight lamp. You can also make an effort to wake up with the sunrise and allow your body to soak in the rays that way.
Nutrition
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is always important, but is essential for maintaining mental and physical wellness during the winter.
You can help boost your mood and gain more energy by choosing foods that are full of nutrients.
For some, the changes that come with the transition from fall to winter can be challenging. I hope that these tips are helpful. Let me know how it’s going!
As Always, Be Well!
Jessica
P.S.
Need help creating your own winter wellness regimen? Get my Winter Wellness Workbook to help you improve wellness in winter here!
Resources
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial “988”
Text Crisis Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741