How To Cope With Seasonal Depression

The pressure to be happy triggers the opposite and some of us end up feeling like it’s a burden

Do you often experience depression or loneliness during the holidays? Some people experience sadness, anxiety, and depression over the holidays. Sometimes it may be the cold, or the lack of having family and friends around to celebrate the holidays with. 

This is commonly known as the ‘winter blues’ and there are several reasons for this. One of the top explanations is that the festive season brings about an unsaid expectation for you to be joyous and in high spirits. The pressure to be happy triggers the opposite and some of us end up feeling like it’s a burden. The medical name for this winter depression is seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is sometimes also known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it's often linked to exposure to sunlight. The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter blues. This decrease in sunlight can disrupt the internal clock of your body and lead to feelings of depression. Reduced sunlight can also lead to lower serotonin levels, which can trigger depression.

How to Cope with Seasonal Depression

Get Active 

Make exercise part of the day. If you feel lazy or to stay in bed fight those thoughts and get on doing some lunges or pushups. Keep yourself active. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals such as dopamine and endorphins in your brain that make you feel happy. Not only is your brain dumping out feel-good chemicals, but exercise also helps your brain get rid of chemicals that make you feel stressed and anxious.

 Get Outside 

Explore new places or cafes. Take yourself on solo dates. Adopt a new hobby or activity that allows you to spend more time outdoors, like birdwatching, gardening, jogging, or simply running. Connect with nature and find peace.

Grow flowers, plants, or vegetables, get a bird feeder, and pick up the sights and sounds around you, and that's how to connect with nature.

Meditate 

Do some breathing exercises, and relax your mind. Keep a daily diary and share your thoughts and feelings. Listen to soothing songs before going to sleep. Be grateful before bedtime, and practice affirmations. For an easy way to relax and unwind, try to get in the habit of reading more frequently.

Eating healthy 

Eating a good amount of protein and carbohydrates can help your body feel nourished and can make you feel good. But at times, it is normal to eat junk to satisfy those cravings. As it is frequently said, to feel good, eat well. Eat those waffles and cheeseburgers. After all what else is a vacation for? Stay hydrated and drink plenty of liquids to stay fresh and active. At times when you feel low have a piece of dark chocolate, it helps to reduce anxiety and improve symptoms of clinical depression.

Good company 

At times when you feel down communicate with loved ones, friends, and family. Keep good company and that can boost your happiness and reduce your stress. Hang out with them, and have a great time. If you feel comfortable telling them what you're having trouble with, it's always great to share. 

Socialise with others, and go to some parties to meet new people, it can lighten your mood and make you feel happier.

Self-care

It has been shown that having an effective self-care routine has several significant health benefits. Think about a few activities you can do that will make you feel better in each of these areas of your life. Follow a hobby, and learn new things. Make yourself feel good, and buy some clothes. Spare an hour for your self-care. Follow a self-care routine and take steps each day to make sure that you are getting what you need to deal with the stress and challenges you face in your daily life. Go to a spa or a massage. Physical relaxation brings along a well-rested mind which then eases mental stress.

Believe in yourself

Trust yourself that you are going to get through this. The bright days are coming. Be patient as you move forward. Don't pressure yourself to be happy. 

If you do decide to take the leap and put yourself out there, you will face many obstacles. But if your self-belief remains intact, you will be better equipped to face them. Build confidence and set goals to achieve.