Finding Balance During Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression affects a lot of people. According to Mental Health America, 5% of the U.S. population deals with this yearly mental anguish – and, while that might not seem like much, that actually equals out to around 17 million people. That’s millions of people feeling down when the weather changes. And, though Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, can happen in the warm months too, we tend to hear more about it in the winter. This is likely because we’re getting less natural vitamin D, which we absorb through our skin when the sun is out. We’re spending less time outside because it’s cold out, and the sun is appearing less because of all those clouds!

There are days we wake up already feeling the effects of sadness – the chilly floor triggers memories of how cold it is outside. The morning begins in darkness, and we know that by the time we punch the clock at the end of the day, it will be dark all over again. Our human bodies and minds crave the daylight, and while you can buy lamps that mimic that sunshine and take pills that help give your body the vitamin D it craves, none of it is the same as spending some time outside, enjoying nature, in the warmth of the sun.

So, what can you do to find some balance during seasonal depression while stuck inside and avoiding the chill in the air? Lean into the things that bring you joy, whatever they are. Think about the things you would be doing outside in the sun, if it were summer, and find ways to recreate some feeling of that task indoors.

For example, if you like to garden, you can start an indoor garden or give your indoor plants a little extra love. If you like to walk in nature, pick a nature video online and walk in place to it in your living room. You’d be amazed at how our minds can recreate past experiences on both physical and mental levels, giving us a brief boost in positivity, even if it’s short-lived. We want balance, remember – so even if you only get a small dopamine fix, it’s better than being sad all day.

Slow down. Most other things in nature have slowed down during this time of the year. Trees and plants are dormant, and some animals are hibernating, and here we are still pushing through, filling our plates with more than we can handle, like always. We might not be able to hibernate like trash pandas, but we can still reevaluate what’s important this time of year and take a little time out for ourselves. Stay home instead of going out, use a couple of those fresh new vacation days you’ve acquired in the new year, or simply sleep in whenever you can.

If, like me, you’re one of those people who struggle when there’s nothing to do to keep your hands or mind busy, use any free time you’ve given yourself for the enjoyment of some of the stuff already at your fingertips. Listen to your music collection, watch a movie, read a book, write in your journal, or create some art. And if you want to learn to savor peaceful moments, try some guided meditations. You can even find ones meant to help with seasonal depression, loss of creativity, or stress.

Winter won't last forever – keep that in mind. Find things that bring you joy, especially in the darkest parts of your day. Those are the things that will help speed the days up and get you back outside in the spring sunshine.