6 Effective Ways to Combat Seasonal Depression and Boost Your Mood
Winter blues is not just present during the winter months. Dealing with colder, less sunny, and desirable weather can take a big toll on some people's moods and mental health.
But who wants to walk around for 4-5 months feeling sad and hopeless? Not me! Being someone who definitely feels the changes in my mood around this time of year, I make sure I take the steps and action that I need to try to feel my best.
Here's a few tips on how you can drop the sad girl feels and have a fly girl fall.
1. MOVE Often
When you move your body (especially in fun and exciting ways) you release endorphins, which will make you feel good. Think of endorphins as happy chemicals that give us that "high" feeling during and after our workout.
Imagine if you could get into that high vibrational state at least 3 to 4 times a week, Those feelings will linger into your next day, and then you'll find yourself feeling happier more often. When you realize how important movement is and how it has a direct effect on your daily experiences, you will always make it a priority.
2. GET SUNLIGHT WHEN POSSIBLE
Not only does the sun brighten up the sky and our days, but it also provides a natural source of vitamin D that's really good for us and helps improve our mood quickly.
Even during the Fall and Winter months when the sun may not come out as often or shine as bright, we should still aim to take advantage when we do have sunlight. Open up your windows in your home, open your sunroof in your car, or go for a walk to take in it all in. This always changes my mood instantly and allows me to enjoy the day a little bit more.
3. Take the Right Supplements
There are a few supplements that can help increase our mood and help us feel more balanced.
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a vital role in regulating neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, which is often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone. Serotonin helps to regulate mood, sleep, and appetite, and low levels of this neurotransmitter have been linked to depressive symptoms. This is the brand that I prefer to use.
Vitamin D affects the production and release of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which plays a key role in regulating mood. People who have a Vitamin D deficiency are more likely to suffer from symptoms of Seasonal Afffective Disorder. The best vitamin D would also have K3 for better absorption.
Several B vitamins, including B6 and B12, play a crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are also responsible for regulating mood and emotions. Adequate intake of these vitamins can help support a positive mood, reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, and enhance overall mental well-being.
4. KEEP YOUR SPACE CLEAN AND cozy
When we aren't feeling our best, sometimes the one thing that can bring us comfort is a cozy, clean and well-kept space. Your home should be your safe space, your place to find peace, and deal with your emotions.
I know that when my space is a mess or I have dishes in the sink and clothes on the bed, it only brings more frustration, stress, or feelings of defeat. We can't always control things going on outside such as people's moods, the weather, or traffic, but we always have control over how we keep our home,
5. get a self-care journal
Journaling has so many benefits and gives us a safe space to release our thoughts and reflect on our relationship to self. You can keep different types of journals for different uses, or use one journal to share everything in.
I recently released my self-published Self-Care Journal & Wellness Guide, and I've been using myself daily to remember to prioritize my self-care. The journal has over 100 prompts to help you increase your self-esteem, your mood, your quality of sleep, and find peace within yourself.
There is a digital version also available for the gals who prefer an ipad or tablet.
6.don't be a hermit crab
Sometimes when we're feeling low vibrational, sad, or depressed, we can put ourselves into isolation to just feel bad for ourselves even more. While this may be cool for a weekend, you absolutely need to socialize. Us humans are social creatures and we thrive when we are sharing energy, sharing stories, and enjoying each other's conversations. Make it a priority to hang out with friends or family at least a few times out the month. Partake in hobbies that are in social settings, and don't be afraid to call your best friend to just chat if you're feeling down.
If you've tried most of these things and just can't pull yourself out of the funk. don't be too shy to seek professional help.
And remember, getting professional help should never feel embarrassing or weird. Sometimes you just need a third party to provide a safe space for you to vent and share what may be going on internally. Never be afraid to seek help from a licensed mental health professional.
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