Seasonal affective disorder is something I’ve struggled with for several years (and only recently recognised there’s a name for it!) here’s me thinking everyone gets super bummed out as autumn hits. I’ve devised 7 ways to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that work for me and I hope they can help lift your mood too if you also suffer with SAD at this time of year. If you’re in the same boat, luckily there are lots of self care habits you can adopt to tackle seasonal affective disorder and stay feeling upbeat throughout winter.
As much as I look forward to Christmas and love to see the trees turn all the colours of autumn, I cant help but feel an overwhelming sadness and suffocation by the lack of daylight. The daily grind seems to drag, the urge to lay around all day in pj’s is overwhelming and I have an unshakable sense of sadness. If you recognise that feeling, of course I’m not a doctor so I would recommend that you seek professional advise to discuss your mood first. However, you might like to try these adopting the following habits, personally I’ve found these habits to significantly ease to impact of SAD.
Get a nutritionist + herbalist: A good nutritionist or herbalist will help advise you on what supplements to take to counterbalance the change in daylight/ colder weather and help to keep your immune system on top to avoid colds. I’ve been in cahoots with a great lady at Neal’s Yard who is devising a diet plan and supplement plan to help make sure I get all the goodness I need to fight off low energy, feelings of sadness and keep my health on track. VITAMIN D IS YOUR BEST FRIEND, TAKE A SUPPLEMENT! You could also look into getting a good therapist to talk to and set goals with.
Hibernate in style: Embark on a DIY project, get your home ‘Christmas ready’ What better way to spend those dark winter evenings than transforming your home, there’s nothing more satisfying than looking at ‘before and after’ pics reflecting on your décor achievements (no matter how small)
Insulate don’t procrastinate: Insulate your home by hand. Make some curtains, line your existing curtains, make a draught excluder. Start early autumn and you’ll reap the benefits as the chilly winter hits. Wrap your home in a cosy blanket, cut your heating bills, invest in rugs, hang a curtain behind the front door.
Do a marathon: I’m not talking hours of jogging (though that does release ample endorphins), I’m talking making Netflix your BFF. Having an addictive series on the go will ease the lack of daylight after working hours and make spending nights in much less depressing and help GBBO addicts get over the fact that Wednesday’s no longer involve staring at cake!
See the light: Cannot recommend this enough. Make sure you have plenty of lights, ambient lamps or just invest in a SAD (seasonal affective disorder) relieving lamp. I got one last year and switch it whilst I have breakfast which is such a great way to start the day.
Wrap up and walk: No matter how attractive the prospect of staying inside in your pyjamas, it’s so vital that you invest in your Vitamin D supply (this will keep you happy through winter) Vitamin D comes from exposing you skin to the sun. Fasten on your winter boots and head to your nearest park.
Make plans: Make social plans, organize a brunch club, get together with your friends or if the budget allows it, plan a holiday. Having things to look forward to will break up the winter and mean you’re always looking forward to something fun and not stuck in a rut!
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