So the Seasonal Depression Hit...

By: Dakota D. Duran

I am a person who often mixes up their love for the idea of things versus the reality of them, and unfortunately, winter is one of them. Winter sounds like a great idea, as it is a season where you come together with those you love, wear cute, bundled-up outfits, and experience the lovely holidays. While this is amazing to experience, seasonal depression is not. 

Every year when the sun starts to set at 4:30 p.m., my mood begins to as well. I start feeling less motivated, fatigued, and overall just want to do nothing but rot in bed. As I don’t want these negative feelings to consume me, I put in extra effort to take care of myself during the colder temperatures. Here are some of my self-care tips for when the seasonal depression hits: 

1.Go on walks with music in the morning 

I enjoy starting my mornings off with movement, and I find that winter morning walks induce a different type of serotonin. I enjoy waking up earlier during the brisk mornings, as waking up early is a natural mood booster. I wait until after my walk is over to get ready for the day, as it is easier for me to roll out of bed and throw on my puffer and sweats. I call these walks “hot girl walks,” as they aren’t a walk meant for working out, they are simply strolls meant to wake my brain up and get me going for the day. I like to put on a podcast or relaxing morning tunes, and I find that this has made the darker days a little more bearable. 

2. Workout 

When I am feeling any emotion regarding anger, sadness, apathy, or rejection, I work out. So, of course, when I feel a lot of these large feelings during the winter season, I will be seen in the gym right after my classes end. I don’t typically enjoy high-intensity workouts, so I favor more low-impact workouts such as yoga and pilates. When I end up going to the gym, I like to do cardio and lightweight lifting. I have found that working out is especially beneficial when my mood gets low throughout winter as working out releases feel-good endorphins and other natural brain chemicals that will enhance one’s sense of happiness and vitality. 

3. Read 

As I love fueling and mentally stimulating my mind with words on an all-season basis, I particularly enjoy it more during the algid temperatures. I love getting cozy in bed with a good book while it is gloomy or raining outside. I imagine myself as a grandma who just got done feeding her grandkids cookies while wishing there was a fireplace right in front of me. I also enjoy reading as it is an escape from reality, and you can guarantee that my nose will be in a book when I miss the feelings of summer during the colder days. 

4. Seasonal Activities 

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that there are not a load of fun winter activities to enjoy. While my favorite hobbies and extracurriculars are typically meant for a day when the sun is shining, I do love a day inside where I can make hot chocolate and build gingerbread houses. My go-to winter activities include ice skating, snowboarding, baking Christmas cookies, or doing anything Christmas-related. You can also find me thoroughly enjoying a holiday movie, and I guarantee you that I will be playing “Love Actually” over 100 times. When doing these activities, I often forget about the weather outside or that the sun has already gone down. Seasonal activities are perfect as they keep me occupied and happy during my hibernation.