With just a month until December, some have begun fantasizing about the winter.
This beautiful season shown in movies, along with the cozy sweaters is something worth wishing, especially living in Florida where the sun shines bright all year long. But as temperatures drop and the change of seasons, something else not worthy of that fantasy can come in: a feeling of sadness.
Even if the melancholic feeling does not invade your body, your mood changes. Suddenly, the motivation is gone, and your body feels heavier than before. And though it is easier to give into those feelings, in this article, you will find things you can do to paint color in those gloomy days:
1. Get as much sunlight as possible
As the longer nights approach, depression comes lurking in the shadows. According to the Mayo Clinic reduced sunlight can cause your body’s internal clock to change and the levels of serotonin in your brain to drop, which ultimately can trigger depressive thoughts. Therefore, it is important to get as much sun as possible during the time signs of depression might be lurking in the shadows.
“In the winter, only 10 percent of the body is exposed, and nearly two hours of sun exposure at noon is needed to produce a sufficient amount of vitamin D,” Robert Ashley, a doctor at UCLA Health, said in article called “Ask the Doctors – How much sunshine do I need for enough vitamin D?”
And we know. It might be too cold to be outside but try it. You are going to appreciate it later.
2. Give yourself that extra effort
In the moments, you feel less motivated. Those are the moments you must put in more effort and try to take of yourself. And this can be many different things. If you are a skincare girly, take a few more minutes to put all your products and enjoy the process. If you like fashion, plan your outfits or use your favorite sweaters.
Whatever you do, do it for you. When you are feeling down, those are the times you must take care and prioritize your persona.
3. Keep yourself occupied & set goals
Being depressed can make you feel like you cannot do anything. However, this is the time to get yourself active and set some goals. It can either be going to the gym, going out with friends or even doing your schoolwork when feeling down. Just keep yourself occupied and challenge yourself.
However, it does not mean you have to do everything. You can start slow and cross things down. It will make you feel like you are conquering the world.
4. Try new things you always wanted to try
If there is something in your bucket list, this is the moment to do so.
“Trying something new alters the levels of [the brain chemical] dopamine, which is associated with pleasure, enjoyment, and learning,” said Ian Cook, psychiatrist and director of the Depression Research and Clinic Program at UCLA.
Try a new hobby or do some things you have always wanted to do, like learning a new language or visiting a restaurant you have always wanted to try. And even if it is not something big, starting something new and enjoying it will give you something to expect.
5. Don’t run away from your emotions & seek help if gets too serious
The winter blues are more than we believe according to the Nation Health Institute. And though Mental Health expert Matthew Rudorfer said it is commonly mild that passes with time, some cases can lead to a clinical diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder.
While a few days of feeling down is normal, the Mayo Clinic recommends seeking help whenever you lack motivation to go on with your day. “Don’t brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own,” the Mayo Clinic said.
In your time of need, UF has many resources for you like its crisis support line available 24 hours. You can read more about these resources here.