It’s usually after the Christmas period when SAD hits me. The decorations are down, the New Year has officially begun and the kids have gone back to school. It’s the seasonal after party come down, the mother of all emotional hangovers. Days are short, nights are long and the weather is usually pretty miserable.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is something I’ve dealt with for years and over time I have learnt how to manage it for myself. So what is it? Well, it’s a type of depression that comes with the season, usually over the winter time when sunlight is limited and the weather makes the day’s feel pretty bleak and cold. For me, the sudden abrupt end of the Christmas season is the thing that really triggers it.
Of course, if your depression lasts for a lot longer and you feel like it’s massively effecting your life or ability to live the way you want to, seek professional help. But if you see a pattern and dread January or winter in general because you know your mood will inevitably take a bit of a dip, then these tips might just help you to overcome it.
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH SAD
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
I don’t know about you, but whenever I feel afraid of something, it’s usually because I don’t know very much about it. I would absolutely dream the January blues, that awful feeling of despair and lack of motivation that would creep over me like a tidal wave. Once I read up on the symptoms of SAD, I felt empowered. I began to see the patterns in my seasonal depression, understood the triggers and realised that this wasn’t something to be afraid of anymore. In fact, it could be something I could learn to control and manage. Knowledge is definitely power.
SUNLIGHT
Don’t underestimate the power that daily natural light can do for your body and your mind. There are many devices you can buy that imitate natural daylight. For me though, it has to be the real thing. I’m lucky that I have to do the school run twice a day because that forces me to leave the house, no matter what the weather is! My allotment plot and desire to get down and see my plants also helps with this motivation to leave the house. Personally, I find that the earlier in the morning I can get that hit of fresh air and sunlight (even if it’s through a thick patch of cloud), the better I’ll feel that day.
SLOWING DOWN IS A GOOD THING
After the hype of Christmas and New Year, January can often feel like a bit of a downer. A sudden crash back to normality after what has been a time for overindulging, celebrating and excitement. So I changed my perspective on January and what the month means for me. I see it as a time to purposely slow down, recharge my batteries and plan for the year ahead. I start by organising the house, tidying cupboards that have been neglected, or even redecorating rooms. I organise seeds for the allotment, plan social content for the year, write goals. And I also spend a fair bit of time on self care, which for me usually means planning a film night, cooking from scratch on weekends and writing journal entries in the evenings. Check out some of my recipe ideas here.
HEALTHY EATING ISN’T ALWAYS A CLICHE
That age old January cliche of healthy eating and exercise actually plays quite an important part in combating SAD. One of the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder is that I overeat. I crave carbs, chocolate, alcohol and just all the bad stuff! So making a resolution to eat healthier, plan my meals and even do dry January really helps me to stay on track. It also gives me a focus, a goal to work towards throughout the month.
MAKE PLANS
I think this is a hack for every month in your life, to keep making plans. Plans keep us motivated, keep up moving forwards. They don’t have to be massive or expensive, but of course they can be! I like to book in a camping holiday for the summer months during January which forces me to look beyond the month I’m currently in. It gives me perspective. I also make smaller plans weekly, like having a pizza night or planning to watch a movie on a certain night. This next one might sound silly, but we have a plan to go to Ikea on Sunday and I’m actually really looking forward to it! So little plans, big plans, the point is having things to continuously look forward to is a great help.
GARDENING
I mean, it wouldn’t be a gardening blog if I didn’t stick this one in! I’m a massive advocator for gardening because the effects it has had on my own mental health has been pretty extraordinary. It’s lifted me out of some very dark places and often forced me out the house on days where I haven’t really wanted to leave! It’s such a great hobby to have, especially if you are someone who is effected by the seasons because it helps you to appreciate and understand them in ways you wouldn’t have before. You learn the benefits of the colder winter months on the garden, the joy of the spring and summer and the beauty in Autumn. So get out and garden if you can!
I hope this gives you a little advice or even some idea of combating seasonal affective disorder if that is something that effects you.
