As we approach the trifecta of the year, October, November, and December that is, we must prepare ourselves for the ensuing cloud of seasonal depression.
Here are some habits that have worked for me, a non-professional, in lifting my spirits on the dreariest of days.
For more information on Seasonal Affective Disorder, check out this article from the National Institute of Mental Health here:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
1. Balance the time that you spend in bed.
I find that setting an alarm and immediately getting up and ready for the day is a huge mood booster for me. However, I acknowledge that there are days that we need to catch up on rest, which is when I propose that you be intentional. Do not “accidentally” spend your entire day rotting in bed while mindlessly scrolling through TikTok. Trust me, you will feel less rested than you did before. Instead, grab some snacks and put on a movie. Or curl up with a book, one you can read for pleasure.
2. Limit your time on social media.
Yeah, c’mon we all know this, but who actually does anything to limit the time they spend on social media. We all make a promise to ourselves that, “tomorrow we will do better,” but we never follow through. I have had screen time set up on my phone for awhile now, but it has not proven to be effective. When the message that my time is up appears on the screen, I simply press ignore limit for 15 minutes. Admittedly, I do this over and over again until a couple of hours pass by. Does this make me feel good about myself? No. What I have found to work the best is turning my phone all the way off, and then shoving it somewhere that is not conveniently accessible to me.
3. Change your location.
If you stay in your room for hours upon hours, especially if you live inside a dorm, you are not going to feel content about your day. When I do this, I forget that I am not the only person in the world. I would venture to compare leaving the confinement of your room to taking a step outside of your body and putting life into perspective.
4. Clean your space.
When your room is clean, you have one less thing to worry about. Also, as we are approaching cold and flu season, you may want to clean as a preventative measure. After all, whenever I come down with something, that further deteriorates my mood.
5. Get ready for the day every now and then.
Don’t just throw on a hoodie and pair of sweatpants that don’t match. I am not instructing you to do this everyday, but at least once a week, pick out an outfit that you feel confident in and proud of. It’s miraculous how the effort you put into what you are wearing can promote a positive mood. (Well, maybe it’s as simple as dressing sloppy and feeling sloppy, versus dressing inspired and feeling inspired.)
6. Exercise for your mind, not your body.
If you focus on how your brain feels after a workout, you will notice that your mind is free of anxiety, instead you will have developed motivation to propel you through the day.
7. Get outside.
For as little as 5 to 10 minutes, intentionally place yourself outside at some point in your day. What I mean by that is that walking to class or to grab food does not work. Go outside to be outside, to inhale fresh air and soak up sunshine.
8. Treat yourself.
Get your nails done, and keep in mind, the color of the season is red. (According to TikTok?) There is just something about having polish on your nails that makes you feel like a new woman, ready to take on the world.
9. Browse online for your fall / winter wardrobe.
You could start with Pinterest to find some inspiration or just jump right in and scour all your favorite clothing websites.
10. Plan something that you can look forward to.
- Pick up a hobby. I don’t know about you, but I have been wanting to try pickleball.
- Get started on your Christmas Wish-List. (There is no shame in starting early…)
- Partake in a seasonal activity. Go apple-picking or visit a haunted house!
- Find a comfort show. (Mine is currently Felicity; It’s available on Hulu.)
11. Take care of yourself.
- Hydrate even though it’s no longer hot outside. (This may be an old wives’ tale, but I have heard it can prevent illness.)
- Shave your legs even though summer has ended. (Again, like the nail polish, you will feel like a new woman.)
- Don’t go lax on your skin care, keep up with it. You’ll feel better.