Fall is rapidly turning to winter. For me, this is wonderful. I love the cold, enjoy the snow, and Christmas is my favorite time of year. For many people though this time of year is absolute hell. It brings on the winter blues, also know as Seasonal Depression. Snow clouds can be gloomy, and the cold can keep many people inside. Sunlight can even be an issue. I’ve met people that absolutely dread this season. Some people actually end up depressive mood before seasonal depression can get to them.
What they don’t seem to realize is that if they could concentrate on a plan to put into effect to battle the oncoming season. There are many resources out there to help with this. Some people simply find enough weapons to use by goggling seasonal depression. Other people may need to go a little deeper and fight the battle with a therapist. SSeasonal depression is like any other mental illness; once you have the tools and use them effectively all you have to do is maintenance to keep yourself out of the funk.
There are many things you can do to win the battle that don’t include therapist or meds. A few off the top of my head are as follows.
1. Exercise, exercise, exercise: this is can be very effective for all types of depression.
2. Invest in some artificial sunlight: it does a body good, and the mind even better.
3. Avoid depressants such as drugs and alcohol, as with all types of depression and especially if you are on medication.
4. Stick to a schedule: write it down if you have to. I personally have what I call day cards. They are cards for everyday of the week that are outlined with everything I need to do. For me personally this is very helpful, and keeps me from getting into an unhealthy rut.
5. If you are physically capable, get out of the house. Don’t stay inside waiting for a warmer day, it’s probably going to be awhile before that happens and you’re just opening the door for that unhealthy rut.
There are many other things you can do, look it up, ask a professional, and ask someone you know what their ideas are.
Fight the Funk.
