As the winter days get shorter, your mood may become as dark as the late afternoon. These feelings are often referred to as the “winter blues;” however, the medical name for this winter depression is seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Try one of the following strategies to help you relax, unwind and make the long winter months more manageable:
- Change your mindset. Refocus your thoughts on wintertime pleasures by making a list of things that you enjoy about the season. Some ideas include getting cozy with a book, cooking comfort food and listening to wood crackle in a fireplace.
- Get outside. Make it a point to get outside daily for fresh air or a quick 15-minute walk, especially before the sun sets.
- Increase the amount of light in your home. If you cannot go outside, open the blinds to allow more sunlight into your space.
- Declutter or organize. Organizing and getting rid of clutter can be energizing. While it can feel draining to clear clutter, commit to doing a little bit at a time. If it takes less than a minute, do it right away.
- Exercise regularly. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, which can worsen SAD.
If you’re feeling blue this winter, and if the feelings last for several weeks, talk to a health care provider.
