How To Combat Winter Depression

Oh winter depression, our old friend, is making it's return. The sun is setting at 4:30 and the snow and ice is about to be here to stay. Unfortunately none of that is in our control, and as daunting as the next several months may seem, there are things that we can do to make the most of this season of life.

First and foremost, get your space in order. You realistically aren't going to be spending as much time outside which means you need a space that you can find peace & productivity in. This calls for a deep clean. I am a total advocate for Spring cleaning, but Fall cleaning is just as important. So lets break it down...

-Clean out your closet: make room for all of your big jackets and warm, cozy clothes. And yes this means getting rid of the shirt you have been holding on to since sophmore year that you literally never wear.

-Ditch the junk drawer & catch-alls: if it sits in a pile untouched, you don't need it. You will be surprised how good this feels.

-Reorganize your things: the holiday season is here, things are getting busy, you will want a clean space to come home to.

-Disinfect: Cold means colds, do yourself a favor and get rid of the germs before they find their way into your system

-Get some wintery candles and fuzzy blankets: embrace the season!

Once your space is in order and you are feeling fresh and reset, I want you to get out your journal and make two lists:

1. What you are greatful for: dig deep on this one... look at your life and recognize the beauty, even in the smallest things. Then put it on paper.

2. What you enjoy about winter: I know, I know, but you will be surprised with how much you come up with. Here are some things that I put on my list...

-Warm, cozy clothes

-Warm seasonal drinks

-Watching the snow fall

-The holidays

-Walks in the woods

-How quiet the snow makes the world

-My backyard becomes a winter wonderland

-Snowboarding

-Tackling indoor projects

-Planning my garden for the spring

-How much it makes me appreciate warmth & seeing nature alive

-New years resolutions

-Baking & cooking comfort food

-The personal growth I experience being trapped inside

-How much time I spend crafting & reading

-How well you can see the stars & the moon

I want you to refer to these lists that you have made when you get into the "this sucks, I miss summer, I might die if I have to scrape ice off of my car one more time" mentality.

You might find yourself being less motivated to be active during the colder months, but your body still deserves movement. Here is what you can do to take care of your body:

-Go for walks: I know we all hate to say it but winter is beautiful, go outside and appreciate it.

-Get yourself a yoga mat: You can do a lot with just a yoga mat, obiously yoga, but also at home workouts, meditating and stretching. Stretching may seem insignificant but it goes a long way in feeling connected to your body.

Last but not least, find or create things to look forward to. I always save money so I can travel some place new during the winter, it helps break it up and get you out of your space. Obviously a full on vacation is on a bigger scale, but even visiting somewhere you haven't been that you can drive too and is close to where you live is exciting. Try a new activity, see what events are going on in your community that interest you and go to one, try a workout class, stay in a hotel for a night, or anything out of your normal routine. These things go a long way in easing your stir-craziness.

Remember that everyone experiences seasonal depression. You are not alone, and more than that you have the power to not only get through winter but enjoy it too.