Being Happier in the Winter
As autumn temperatures drop and sunlight dwindles, winter moves in like a tidal wave. With the dark skies and gray days, for many, comes seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression that is brought on by the shifting of seasons. For most people, symptoms appear during winter, but around 10% of people who experience SAD exhibit their symptoms in the summer. Whatever season you’re in, there are several healthy ways that’ll help you combat SAD.
Finding light in the dark.
As natural daylight becomes less frequent, it’s important to take advantage of it while you can. This might mean taking a break from work and stepping outside or moving your workspace close to a window. We’re all aware of how beneficial sunlight can be to our mood and well-being, but when the sun doesn’t shine, there is another option.
One of the ways to fight SAD is light therapy. Light therapy is not a replacement for natural light but an artificial supplemental source of light. It uses a light therapy box to increase your daily exposure. The box is a source of full-spectrum light that mimics sunlight. Sitting near a light therapy box while you work or relax at home may trick your brain into creating chemicals that regulate mood and sleep.
If you’re experiencing seasonal affective disorder, it’s recommended that you use a light therapy box for 15–20 minutes a day, initially. If it seems to ease your symptoms and elevate your mood, increase the treatments to 30–45 minutes a day. This treatment is not recommended for people with increased (skin or eye) sensitivity to light.
Moving and mingling.
Along with light therapy, here are some other natural options to try and fight SAD:
- Walking outside for at least 10 minutes. Soak up some sunlight, get your blood pumping, and breathe in the fresh air.
- Stay cozy indoors and outdoors. Warmth is comforting.
- Take a hot bath with scented Epsom salts. Citrus scents are a great mood booster.
- Care for your houseplants. Gardening can help lower symptoms of depression.
- Socialize with friends and family. Being around loved ones usually brings laughter, which is one of the best medicines.
If the weather is preventing you from leaving your home, consider using technology to your advantage. FaceTime™ a friend and reminisce together. Eventually you’ll find yourselves laughing hysterically and feeling a little happier.
If you’re not one for talking but still want to connect, try calling them up and streaming a funny movie at the same time. Syncing the same film will be funny on its own, and when you do it successfully, you’ll be able to laugh together.
Serenity through scent.
In combination with some of the other treatment methods, give aromatherapy a try. You might be thinking, “How is smelling something going to make me feel better?” To which we reply …
Aromatherapy isn’t just smelling things. Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and the absorption of essential oil vapors through your skin. It uses products like diffusers, inhalers, bathing salts, body oils and creams, facial steamers, and hot or cold compresses, to introduce scents and oils to your nose and skin. One of the most popular forms of aromatherapy is essential oils, which you can diffuse, ingest, or apply directly to your skin, like this one.
This form of therapy may fight seasonal affective disorder by:
- Boosting your mood.
- Increasing attentiveness and reducing stress.
- Increasing quality of sleep.
- Minimizing pain and anxiety.
- Decreasing inflammation.
- Relieving headaches and nausea.
When you start to feel SAD taking control, or just one of the symptoms listed above, consider aroma therapy and its benefits.
Changing your view.
When you just can’t seem to outrun SAD, it’s time to run in the opposite direction. One of the best ways to relieve stress and depression is to take a vacation. If you have the option to leave town, take a trip somewhere warmer and brighter. Whether you have to fly or drive, it’ll be worth the time and money.
Select whatever destination will make you happier and push SAD further away. Whether it’s a beach, forest, lake or desert, just make sure it is warm and bathed in sunlight. If traveling isn’t an option, take a mental vacation and watch a movie, read a book, or look at photos of those scenes. Changing your scenery helps even if you don’t go far away. Breaking your routine and experiencing something new is exactly what you need.
Whichever method you need to try to feel happier and healthier, do it. Aromatherapy, light therapy, or exercise and socialization are all great ways to combat SAD. You’ll make it through to the next season, whether you pick one or all these approaches.
Disclaimer: This post isn’t intended to diagnose any medical conditions. We are not medical professionals. If you have any concerns or think you might be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, please consult a licensed healthcare professional to receive the proper diagnosis and care.
If SAD isn’t affecting you, but you’re still feeling a little low, you might just need some positive news.
