Hey Y’all,
So as you all are well aware, I grew up in Maine. In the winter, Maine can get into the negative numbers for temperatures. That makes it extremely difficult to maintain a routine. Sometimes you just don’t feel like getting out of bed or leaving the house. I was really excited by the idea of writing this blog post because I have seasonal depression.
Although the winters have never been my favorite season, as I got older I was aware of how bad my mood swings would get, especially in winter. During my junior year of high school, I knew something wasn’t quite right. I decided to take myself to the doctors so they could help me figure out what was wrong. The doctors took my blood and analyzed it. Sure enough, I had a Vitamin D deficiency. I started to see a change after a few days of taking the Vitamin D.
Seasonal depression is very real and since going on a prescription dose of Vitamin D isn’t for everyone, I wanted to create a few tricks that really helped me.
Get outside
I can’t stress how important fresh air is! I know it may be cold and I know it’s probably gloomy. But if you can get outside for as little as five minutes each day, it will help your mood! If you absolutely can’t get outside, which I know is the case for certain parts of the country, find any natural light you can get!
Burn a candle
It sounds weird– I know, but it works! I suggest White Barn candles which can be sold at Bath and Body Works. They have aromatherapy in them which really enhances the scent of their candles. The reason why I love this is because scents can trigger memories. In the winter I love to burn a Spring time candle so that it helps me remember that Spring is just around the corner. The candle The Perfect Spring is my current obsession from White Barn. It really does smell like the perfect Spring! It reminds me of fresh flowers, watching everything come out and bloom, and dreaming of Paris.
Eat clean
This is one of the most important ways you can improve your mood in the winter. In the winter is when most of us tend to carb-o-load, but you must resist. Try to limit your bread/carb intake to once a day. Whether it’s a piece of toast with your breakfast, or pasta for dinner. It is vitally important to take this option seriously. When I cut out carbs and bread, I am a much happier individual. Stick to fresh fruit and veggies and you’ll start to see an improvement.
Stay active
Now, when I say “stay active”, I don’t mean go outside and run a marathon. I mean go outside and take a walk. Or go to your local mall and walk the mall. Another idea if you can’t get outside would just be to walk laps around your house. I know it sounds mundane, but by being active for 30 minutes each day, it will make a world of difference. Also consider getting a treadmill or stationary bike in your house! My family has an elliptical and they love it. I personally prefer doing yoga as my choice of movement. I do Yoga With Adrienne and I absolutely love her! She can be found on YouTube and most of her yoga routines don’t require any equipment so you can do them in the comfort of your own home!
Listen to an upbeat music playlist
Who else loves listening to music?! Music is my therapy. It allows my mind to go somewhere else and it can be very powerful. Music can also impact your mood. When you listen to positive, upbeat music, your mood will reflect that. So throw on some headphones and listen to some tunes!
Watch a funny movie
Laughing helps when fighting any kind of depression. Laughing releases endorphins which make you naturally happier! Take a day and watch all of the movies that make you laugh-big belly rumbles of laughter. Drink a glass of crisp Rosé and you’ll thank me later!
Consult your doctor
This to me is a last resort if none of the other ways help. There are so many different methods nowadays to helping a person cope and treat seasonal depression. Going to your doctor and expressing your concerns will help you both find a solution that works best for you. There is light therapy, dawn simulators and even antidepressants that your doctor can discuss with you.
Hopefully this list has helped you with coping with seasonal depression. If you have any other ways of coping, leave a comment below! I’d love to hear all of your ways that you can help fight seasonal depression!
XoXi,
All pictures are captured by the talented Sophie Dobben. You can find more of her work here on Instagram, or here on Facebook.
