Let’s Talk – You Can’t Avoid Seasonal Depression

Tis’ the season once again my friends, it’s dark significantly sooner, it’s cold as heck and seasonal depression is rearing its stupid head.

This year I’m coming to terms with the fact that seasonal depression isn’t something that I can avoid, it’s going to come no matter what, but I’m finding ways to better deal with it this year and I wanted to share some of my ideas to make this coming winter season easier to deal with.

Numero uno: Keep the summer alive. This one has a few parts to it. So first off, just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that there aren’t day that the sun won’t come out. We have had a number of super sunny days and taking advantage of those days are important. I open all the curtains in my house so I can enjoy the sunshine throughout the day. I also try and sit outside each morning and enjoy a bit of my morning coffee with some fresh air.

I also start self-tanning again in the winter months. It just keeps me feeling the summer vibes with a nice sun kissed look. I use St Tropez for my body and for my face I use the Isle of Paradise. It’s a super simple routine that just keeps me happy.

Part two: Embrace the winter. I’m not a fan of the cold and snowy season and now living in the snow belt, I’m really unsure how I’m going to handle it. I am going to do my best to enjoy it by picking up some winter activities like skiing, skating and tobogganing, but also enjoying the winter festivities! I searched up some local winter festivals around me and have planned out in my calendar times to visit them!

Tres: Find indoor activities that bring you joy. Something that you can do when you’re having a bad day to pick up your spirits. I’m getting back into knitting, which is such a feel good activity. But whatever you fancy. Other suggestions, puzzles, baking, embroidery, and another one of my favourites, reading.

Four: Set aside time every once in a while to be in yours feels. Find a feel good movie to watch, do a face mask, have a spa day and just feel all your damn feelings. If you are feeling like you need a good cry, cry it the fuck out. If you have some energy, let it out and have a solo dance party, or invite the people you live with to join you. Take the emotions you’re feeling and literally run with them.

Fifth & Final Tip: Stay on top of your health. Physical and emotional. I’m trying to incorporate more activity into my day. I’ve been keeping up with my yoga and adding in some weight training. When I clean the house I throw on some ankle weights, and even try and get some squats in while I brush my teeth.

I also make sure to make sure I’m getting my journaling in and staying on top of writing it out daily. It really helps clear out my mind and not dwell so much on stuff.

Seasonal depression is coming, but incorporating small steps in your day to day will make it easier to deal with. If you are like me and have the extra support of medication please remember to stay on top of your meds. If you feel like you need more help, connect with your doctor!

Cheers to the winter season my friends!