4 Enjoyable Ways to Help Cope with Seasonal Depression
As the weather begins to cool and we get further into the holiday season, it can become a daunting time for many who struggle with seasonal depression. It is a custom for people to suggest working out, acquiring better-eating habits, cleaning, and getting sufficient sleep to help this feeling. And while these things are absolutely necessary for putting you at your best, they can often feel like “work” and, some days, even seem impossible to accomplish. So, below I have listed a few simple and fun things to do while experiencing seasonal depression.
1. Write a letter to someone you don’t usually talk to
One of my favorite things to do while feeling lonely is to cozy up with a candle, playlist, blanket, a beverage (coffee is my go-to), and start writing a letter. I recommend writing to someone you may not speak to often but still holds a special place in your heart. Perhaps a cousin that you don’t usually reach out to, an aunt, an uncle, grandparents, or even an old friend. I suggest writing to someone you don’t already talk to because, often, it is easy to forget how many people you have in your life that love and care about you. Writing them serves as a reminder that you have a lot of love in your life, even if it is not evident to you daily. Plus, it is sure to put a smile on their faces, and it will be nice to receive letters back from them!
2. Make a scrapbook or photo album
Another fun thing to do is to make a scrapbook or photo album with all of your favorite memories! The possibilities are endless- you can make one big eclectic photo album/scrapbook, or get specific and make unique ones for different types of memories. Some categories to include could be friends, childhood memories, school, travel, family, or anything your heart desires! By doing this, you can reflect on all the good times you’ve experienced throughout your life, all while being as creative and “cutesy” as you want. And after you are finished, you can pull it out and look at it anytime you want. This is something you can have for the rest of your life and add to continuously.
3. Go for a long drive or road trip
One sure-fire way to help gain a new perspective and pull you out of a slump is to go on a road trip! You could go for a drive alone to unwind and relieve yourself from the hectic daily life or go with loved ones to remind yourself of the joy that company brings. A destination vacation is no doubt enjoyable; however, I believe most of the fun is found solely within the journey. Listening to music, sharing long talks with friends, stopping to get Starbucks along the way. This is where the most joy is found. A little bit of gas money and a rocking playlist is all you really need!
4. Look into your family ancestry
Another good thing to do is to look into your family history. If you can purchase 23andMe or Ancestry, that is definitely a good start. But, you don’t necessarily need to buy anything to learn more about your family history. There are many free websites to get a basic idea of the whereabouts and origin of your family. One of the best and most fun ways to do this is to ask the oldest person in your family what they know about their past! This is also a really great and unique way to bond with them and make them feel special. I strongly believe that learning about your ancestry can be empowering and lead to amazing self-discoveries. There is something comforting about the idea that every decision made by your ancestors ultimately led to your creation. You are the result of a million butterfly effects and are rarer than you realize.