Feeling down this fall? Does gloomy weather have to mean a gloomy mood? Here’s how I battle those winter time blues:
There are many ways to care for your mental health; small things you can do every day will make the biggest impacts. On days where you don’t feel like getting out of bed in the morning, or afternoon, here’s a few small tips and tricks to promote productivity and a happier mindset!
- Journal!
- I always keep a notebook and pen nearby. It sounds cliché, but writing down your thoughts does help! I find that once all my feelings are out on paper, they seem more manageable and less overwhelming. A big tip for feeling happier is including gratitude in your writing. Make a list of anything and everything you’re grateful for. I find that this gives my mood a boost.
- Make your bed.
- I don’t mean to sound like a parent, but making your bed every day is so important. Studies have found that making your bed at the beginning of the day boosts productivity. It’s one of the first steps to your day (besides coffee) that influences your work ethic for the rest of the day. I make mine every day because it makes me feel like I’ve checked one thing off my to-do list, as well as preventing me from crawling back into it.
- Exercise!
- Sounds daunting, right? It could be as simple as choosing the stairs over the elevator, or walking to class instead of driving. Anything that gets your blood pumping and your endorphins flowing will release happy feelings. It’s been proven that, in some cases, exercising can work just as well as anti-depressants in treating depression. When going to the gym feels like an impossible task, I try to take walks (especially outside) to make myself feel better.
- Talk to people!
- If you’re feeling unexplainably sad lately, odds are someone else is too. You could talk to a trusted friend or family member, or a mental health professional. Everyone needs a good venting session, and with the right listeners, it can feel like a weight has been lifted afterwards. Even a short FaceTime call with my mom or bestie can boost my mood on gloomy days. When that isn’t enough, I reach out to my therapist. I know how scary it is to talk to a stranger, but therapy truly works wonders!
- Get some Vitamin D!
- SUN SUN SUN… or milk! Vitamin D deficiencies spike during colder months because there is not as much sunshine. Go outside during peak hours of sunlight to soak in as much as you can. I take vitamin D vitamins every day, and while this could be a placebo solution, I personally think it helps and I hope it can help others.
Seasonal depression affects so many people all around you. It is okay to not feel okay sometimes. Listen to your body, and do what it needs to feel the best. I encourage coping in the healthiest ways possible, but sometimes the healthiest option is that carton of Ben and Jerry’s, hahaha! These little habits implemented throughout the day make a world of difference for me and my seasonal depression. I hope they work for you too! :) <3