Find your light. 

Shorter days, less sunlight, cold temperatures, and pre/post-holiday stress all have a negative effect on our mindset.  

Seasonal depression affects many people, and if you experience it, know that you’re not alone. 

We’ve come up with a few tried-and-true methods to kick that seasonal depression out of your life and onto the curb.  

• Stay Social:  Winter makes people want to hibernate and isolate themselves from friends and family.  Keep your network open and reach out to people you care about.  Knowing that your friends and family will love and support you in dark times is comforting.  We all need encouragement from others, so connect with those around you and utilize your social support!

• Exercise: Moving your body can release endorphins which combat depression and give you a better sense of vitality.  Try to exercise outside!  Don’t let weather or time of day stop you.  Getting natural vitamin D from the sun or breathing in the fresh air is a great way to beat the blues, even if it is cold outside! 

• Vitamin D Supplements:  While vitamins aren’t as good as the real thing, taking extra vitamin D can help boost the spirits.  Many people experience more depressed moods because of the lack of sun.

• Light Therapy:  While taking Vitamin D supplements is extremely beneficial, you don’t get the effect of the sun on your skin. Light therapy lamps mimic natural sunlight and can help with sleep quality, boost energy, and improve overall mood.  Check out Circadian Optics to see what types of light therapy lamps they offer.  

• Eat Well:  Eating healthier foods makes you feel better. Try to eat vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins.  Instead of reaching for another slice of pizza or that box of cookies, eat a salad with chicken or salmon—anything with healthy carbs, omega 3s, vitamins D and B.

Boosting your mood during the winter months will help keep your study and work habits in check.  If you notice classmates or coworkers who are feeling similarly, let them know they are not alone.  Offer them a smile and be a part of their social support network.

While this post is more catered to seasonal affective disorder, you can continue these practices year-round.  Mental health is extremely important, especially during times of isolation and global disarray. 

If you find that you would like to take a more deliberate approach to improving your mental health, here are a few resources you can explore:

BetterHelp Professional Online Counseling

Talkspace Online Counseling  

National Institute of Mental Health