Daylight hours are becoming noticeably shorter and the overcast skies are here to stay. Fall has arrived and along with it, seasonal depression. If you find yourself suffering from fatigue, depression, hopelessness, and social withdrawal during the fall and winter months, you’re probably experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The good news is there are things you can do to help fight seasonal depression.
Spend 30 minutes a day with a HappyLight
A “HappyLight” is a light therapy device that mimics the light from the sun. “It provides supplemental full spectrum light that prompts your body’s natural energy enhancers to help you relax, focus and feel revitalized. It improves mood and energy by triggering the release of serotonin and improves sleep and focus by resetting your circadian rhythm to its natural state and regulating melatonin,” (verilux.com).
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Get outside and get moving
Research shows that exercising helps fight depression. Start small with a few minutes a day. When you walk outside to get your mail, try walking down or around the block. Gradually increase the amount you’re walking, or change it up and start an exercise routine once you’ve adopted the habit of setting aside time for a walk.
Journal
Journal for a few minutes every day before bed. Write about your day, your thoughts and feelings, your to-do lists — all of this will help lift your mood by clearing your head of anxious thoughts. Getting things off your mind and onto paper relieves the burden of having to remember them and helps you process your thoughts and emotions.
Make your bed every day
It may sound silly, but making your bed every day is one small task that can set the tone for your whole day. You will have accomplished something small and created order in your home. It will help you feel more relaxed and ready to take on bigger tasks throughout the day. Also, you have to get up and get out of bed in order to make it.
Talk to a doctor
If you’re really struggling with depression and it’s affecting your relationships, work life, social life, etc., it might be time to see a doctor. Many people need a little extra help through the gloomy season and that’s ok. Your doctor can help you find the right medication to balance your hormones and get you back to enjoying life again.
What habits do you have to help you fight seasonal depression?
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