Tips to Combat the Winter Blues

Jessica Kerr, OTS, REAS

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The transition to winter comes with shorter days and colder weather. For some people, it may feel as though the cold weather is never going to end. Winter may limit us from being able to participate in our favorite activities or we may be stuck inside more than usual due to weather. For some people, the winter months can be more challenging due to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD typically causes changes to mood and behavior during the seasonal change from fall to winter. These changes when not managed can lead to difficulty with being able to appropriately and safely complete work-related tasks.

Tips to combat the “Winter Blues”

·  SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: Try to schedule in activities where you are surrounded by others. Get involved in a local club or organization that meets weekly or biweekly. Make plans to get dinner or see a movie with friends on the weekends.

 

·  GET ACTIVE: Taking a simple 10–15-minute walk throughout the day can help to improve your mood and give you an energy boost. Consider joining a gym and hitting up the weight room or taking a workout class. Don’t want to leave the house? There are plenty of online workout videos to help you break a sweat while in the comfort of your home.

 

·  GO OUTSIDE: Often during the winter we encounter many cloudy days however, when the sun is shining get outside and soak up the sun! Sunlight helps to produce vitamin D and boost serotonin levels in your body.

 

·  TREAT YOURSELF: Do activities that make you happy! This may be participating in your favorite hobby, watching your favorite TV show, or eating your favorite meal.

ALWAYS CALL 911 OR THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE (1-800-273-8255) IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN DISTRESS OR THINKING ABOUT HARMING THEMSELVES.

For more information on seasonal affective disorder and other mental health resources go to https://www.samhsa.gov/

Reference

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Seasonal Affective Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder