Cold, dark winters can depress anyone. Most people who live in climates with changing seasons experience the ‘winter blahs.’ People who experience these symptoms to a greater degree may be diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a condition that is caused by the lack of sunlight in the winter time.
Although S. A. D. sufferers have more intense symptoms, many of us undergo some change in mood during the winter months. We may feel laziness and an increased need for sleep. The cold makes us want to stay inside our houses. We want to eat warm, starchy, creamy foods that are more fattening than the fruits we might crave in the summertime.
When all these factors combine, it is not surprising that we experience a bit of depression. Being cooped up inside make us feel trapped and isolated. It is essential to find ways to fight these feelings. Here are a few ideas for activities that can help.
Learn a New Hobby
Is there an instrument that you’ve always wanted to learn to play? Did you buy an Alvarez acoustic guitar a year ago, but still haven’t gotten around to learning to play? Buy an instructional CD and get started! Winter is a wonderful time to begin on the hobbies you’ve been putting off. If you’ve always wanted to paint, buy some supplies and just do it! Make wise use of your time at home.
Get Out Of the House
One of the problems with winter is that we feel trapped in our houses or apartments. This is generally only in our heads, though. The cold is not as terrible as we perceive it to be. Go out for a meal with a friend you haven’t seen in a while, or just get coffee. Invite your sister to join you on a quest for the perfect leather brown boots. Just getting out of your house and changing your scenery can make a huge difference.
Take Up Working Out.
There is nothing like exercise as an antidote for depression. The chemicals that your body releases during exercise lift your mood all on their own. Even if it is too cold to go out for a walk or jog, you can find many ways to work out. Find a video that has an aerobic or muscle workout routine you can do at home. Join a gym if you have the money to do it. There are lots of ways to get exercise.
Winter may seem dark, cold, and endless, but with a little bit of effort, you can definitely fight the ‘winter blahs.’ Distract yourself long enough with these activities, and suddenly, you will look up and it will be spring!
