12 Ways to Combat Seasonal Depression and Make the Winter a Little Easier

With winter rearing its ugly head around the corner, a lot of us will notice a shift in our overall mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, affects millions of people across the globe. This time of year, it can be hard to find the motivation to be productive and leave your house. It’s cold, it’s gross outside, it’s dark all the time. If you’re like me, walking in the snow can be an absolute nightmare because you’re already clumsy enough without it being wet and slippery. Overall, winter just seems like an inconvenience.

Although medication and talking to a professional is something that is incredibly beneficial (and something I wholeheartedly recommend if you think you need that extra help), sometimes you just have off-days. And then what? What can I do while I’m in this funk? Well, I’ve compiled a list of some things that make me feel a little better on days I’m not feeling great. Sometimes it really is the little things that can bring a lot of happiness, so here are some things that can help you combat seasonal depression.

1. Make Yourself a Hot Drink (or Buy One)

So. Many. Options. Whether you prefer coffee, tea, hot chocolate or apple cider, the feeling of holding a warm beverage in your hands can be enough to warm your bones for a few minutes. Not to mention, it tastes DELICIOUS.

2. Read a Book

Want to forget about the nasty weather outside for a bit? Lose yourself in a good book! Romance, horror, suspense, mystery, fantasy, science fiction; the possibilities are endless. It by Stephen King (horror), Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (fantasy), Velocity by Dean Koontz (mystery), Armada by Ernest Cline (science fiction) and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (romance) are some good options to look into.

3. Watch a Movie

Ok, maybe books aren’t your thing, but movies might be! Let’s be honest, you probably have some movies that have been sitting in your Netflix List for a while and you keep telling your friends “I’ll watch them when I find the time” (or maybe that’s just me). Well, the time is now. Pop some popcorn and get watching. Love Actually (romance AND holiday themed), Sing Street (drama, coming of age), Young Offenders (comedy) and Little Monsters are some good movies to look into.

4. Take a Bath

Get some bubbles going, light some candles and pour yourself a glass of wine. You deserve it.

5. Blast Some Music

Sometimes music says exactly what we can’t seem to find the right words for. Put on some jams that will make you get up and dance, scream along to the lyrics and let yourself get lost in the music. If you need to, put on some sad songs, allow yourself to be sad and have a good cry. But make sure you don’t do this for too long, go back to the songs that make you happy. This one is all up to you; you know better than anyone what songs you’d like to hear when you’re having a tough time.

6. Engage in a Creative Outlet

It doesn’t matter if you don’t think you’re very good (but I bet you are). Start drawing, painting, playing an instrument, singing, writing. Let yourself be creative and express your feelings through art.

7. Keep a Journal

This one is kind of similar to the last point, but still very important. Let yourself write down what you’re feeling, the events that are bumming you out or why you’re feeling sad. Maybe you don’t know what it is, but that’s ok too, you can still write about what you’re feeling. Journaling is a good way to release your emotions.

8. Engage in Some Festive Activities

Yes, if you’re reading this article you probably think winter sucks. But maybe it doesn’t have to be all bad. You can go ice skating, sledding, decorate around the house, build gingerbread houses, shop for presents for loved ones and be *that* person that starts watching holiday movies and listening to holiday music way too early (it’s all relative).

9. See Your Friends

Being social when you’re feeling down can be hard. If you really don’t want to go out, invite a friend over for a quiet night in. You’ll feel better seeing a friend and it’s also a big accomplishment being social when depression is hitting. Do what’s comfortable for you and do what will make you happiest.

10. Get Some Exercise

I know, I know. How am I supposed to get up do physical activity when I hardly want to get out of bed? It can be hard, but we’ve all heard it before: exercising can really help you feel better. Even if it’s just going for a short walk, it can help.

11. Purchase a Light Therapy Box

This one isn’t really an activity, but nevertheless it IS something that can help with seasonal depression. Essentially, what this light does is it produces a light like what we would be feeling from the sun in the summer, during our happier season. More sunlight = more happiness. Sitting in front of this light while you’re doing other activities can elevate your mood. I call mine my Happy Light.

12. Talk to Your Doctor or Psychiatrist

Finally, sometimes all the efforts you make just don’t seem to be working. But that doesn’t mean you should give up. Consult your doctor about what steps to take next, and whether or not medication is something suitable for you. Talk to a psychiatrist about how you’re feeling, and work with them to make a plan that will help you with your seasonal depression. These steps are nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of; we all need extra help sometimes. You are not alone in this, and you should be proud of every step you take to get better. You got this; the winter will be over soon and we’ll see the sun again!