As weather changes and snow, ice, and rain occur more often, we are forced off roads and into our homes to ensure the safety of ourselves and others. This forced time inside, however, can cause us to fall into Seasonal Depression.
We need things like vitamin D from the Sun to keep us moving and not lethargic. Without sunny skies and the ability to be out of the house, it is very easy to fall into these
feelings of sadness and anxiety. Symptoms of Seasonal Depression, however, are very common, but because of this, we know many ways to ease the pressure of Seasonal Depression.
Tips to Beat Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression is oftentimes inevitable, but you can survive with these tips:
Just a few minutes of physical activity can lessen the effects of seasonal depression symptoms.
Though it may seem difficult to get up and do things like
walking or exercising when experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Depression, it is important to prevent yourself from laying down or sitting all day. If you continue to be sluggish after you have already begun to experience symptoms of seasonal depression, it can become harder to get out of these habits in the spring.
Many forms of physical activity can be extremely beneficial. Whether it be going on a short walk throughout your neighborhood or a local park or doing a fun
at-home workout, staying active can lessen symptoms of depression and assist you in making it through darker and colder months.
As with most things, changes in your diet can change your overall mood.
With seasonal depression, one of the main causes is a lack of important nutritional factors such as vitamin D. The good thing though, is that the sun is not the only way to receive vitamin D.
Some prime examples are egg yolks, mushrooms, salmon, cheese, and milk. By simply eating a few of these Vitamin D rich foods you can lessen some of the effects of seasonal depression symptoms.
Other than these foods/drinks there are many other ways to receive vitamin D. One way is through vitamin D supplements. For many, foods such as fish, mushrooms, and eggs are either an allergen or just not something too enjoyable. So, an alternative is taking daily supplements. Options for these supplements include vitamin D2 (from plants) and D3 (from animals).
If you are looking to increase vitamin D levels and are vegan, vitamin D2 would be the best choice although it provides a lower amount of Vitamin D. If you are solely looking to increase Vitamin D levels, it would be in your best interest to take Vitamin D3.
Dosage levels are determined by the person and should be consulted with a medical professional before
partaking in the Vitamin D supplements. For further references on this topic consult your doctor/nutritionist.
Though the cold weather may keep you at home, this does not stop you from having fun.
There are many fun things that you and others can do during the winter to stay in high spirits. One thing that you can do to keep up your spirits is to work on a new or old hobby.
Whether it be painting, singing, gardening, cooking, or
working on a hobby, it can improve serotonin levels, which decreases the effects of seasonal depression symptoms. In addition, completing a hobby encourages diligence and prevents you from delving into lethargic habits that may increase symptoms of seasonal depression.
Another fun activity that can be done while experiencing the symptoms of Seasonal Depression is to do something with family or friends. Being with others helps us to feel more like ourselves and like a person, even when experiencing bouts of depression.
Invite friends and family over, or go to a friend or family member's house and do things like watching a movie, playing board games, making food together, playing with your/their pets, etc.
While it's something that you may not want to do, completing those ignored chores you've yet to do can not only get you moving, but allow for you to lessen some underlying stress which may contribute to the effects of Seasonal Depression. Additionally, when stress inducing activities such as chores are completed, you can focus on taking care of yourself and other symptoms you may be experiencing.
While self-care is important, counseling and assistance can be a crucial part in lessening seasonal depression.
Seeking out help from another party can be extremely beneficial to lessening the effects of seasonal Depression symptoms. Medical professionals know more about these symptoms than we do, so if your symptoms are not ceasing through the aforementioned tips and are preventing you from efficiently making your way through daily life, you should seek one out.
In addition to helping you come up with coping skills and providing medicine of necessary,
participating in counseling can provide you with an individual to check up with you and be there for you during difficult times.
Overall, though it may seem to be impossible to feel better when experiencing seasonal depression, it can be minimized through involvement in physical activity, increased Vitamin D, participation in hobbies, time with others, and counseling with a medical professional such as a psychologist/psychiatrist.
