How to Catch Yourself Before You Fall
The season change is upon us. The air is getting colder, the leaves are changing colors and that iced coffee is slowly becoming a warm latte. For some people, this change is what they look forward to all year round. For others, it’s the realization that all tans from now on have to be fake and that is time-consuming.
There has been a lot of research over the years surrounding seasonal depression and how it impacts people and when. Some people experience it in the thick of the teeth chattering coldness, while others experience it earlier on when the little changes start to show. Either way, it’s a real thing that affects many people around the world, and unfortunately, our little Elon bubble can’t prevent it.
So here are some suggestions on how to kick that nagging sadness that takes its seat at the Thanksgiving table and enjoy all the things that fall and winter have to offer!
Suggestion 1: Do your research
Every version of every possible thing in life looks different to everyone. It’s important to know what specific things are bothering you this season and how they are impacting you. Talk to the people you love to figure out what they can do to help and in some scenarios or reach out to a professional for help. These are personal suggestions and not medical advice; after all, you know you better than I do!
Suggestion 2: Go outside
You’re probably thinking, “um no thanks, that’s dumb because it’s cold” and you are right, but sunshine and fresh air help your body reset. Find a super cute winter jacket, grab a hot cup of coffee, play some fresh fall acoustic and take a walk. Go look at how beautiful the leaves are becoming. Take pictures of them and send them to your family or friends so you can all share a moment appreciating this small beauty.
Whenever I do this, I don’t share it with anyone, but when I look back at the photo, it brings a little joy to me. It’s small and not life-changing, but it’s there and that’s what matters. Little moments that make the cold and the dark a little less dreadful.
Suggestion 3: Upgrade your sleep routine
In my house, I take sleep very seriously. So much so that my bed has been deemed “princess bed” for the thick mattress topper and fluffy pillows that make laying in it a dream. When the cold rolls around, animals go into hibernation, so shouldn’t we make our own version?
Of course, we can’t sleep all day, but we can make the time we sleep more enjoyable. Upgrade those sheets, grab some lavender spray and, my favorite, a color-changing lightbulb to set the mood to wind down at night. Creating a warm and calm space is the perfect juxtaposition to the cold darkness outside your window. Some peace and warmth before sleep go a very long way!
Suggestion 4: Turn to the tools
While reworking your mind and how you approach the cold weather is necessary, it doesn't mean some extra fun tools could help with the process. I am a sucker for clicking the “buy now” button on Amazon and trying out fun new things to make life a little easier so here are some things that could help!
Light therapy: You can buy these lamps on Amazon that help boost your mood with just the flick of a light! I absolutely love mine and even in the summer, I still turn that bad boy on.
Vitamin D: Since the air is cold and outside walks (take them) can be few and far between, our body still needs Vitamin D to continue doing all the amazing things it does. There are many options to receive Vitamin D and most multivitamins are another way to help you get even more!
Reading: Hear me out: cozying up with a good book and getting lost in a world that isn’t crisp and gloomy can help more than you know. Buy that book you have been thinking about getting, cozy up in your new princess bed and get lost for 20 minutes to relieve that pressure that’s building up in your mind. Or even better, get a book that details seasonal blues and helps you understand how you feel. Either way, getting lost for a bit can help more than you know
Seasonal depression sucks, plain and simple. There isn’t one thing that is going to magically make it disappear but there are resources that can help make it easier. There’s a lot to look forward to when it gets cold but there also isn’t. Holidays are hard and gloominess and freezing air sucks, but you are capable of moving forward through the seasons. Give yourself some grace, talk to the people you love and know that here at The Edge, we’ve got you!
Have any suggestions on how to ease the winter blues? Tag us on social media @theedgemag