So you’re S.A.D.
I’m writing this on what feels like the 15th straight day of clouds we’ve had here in Central Texas. There are only 2 partly sunny days coming up on the 15 day forecast. So what are we to do with this weather? It feels like it infects our spirit and makes everything 10x harder than it should be and a post holiday filled month is already hard enough! For a lot of people, January and February especially can feel like pretty dark months. Spring isn’t yet springing and we are told to keep riding out this winter weather a bit longer.
For me, it wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the constant dampness, muddiness, and fogginess. When it never gets bright outside my brain basically decides to revolt productivity. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) affects 6.8% of the American population, with the age of onset often being around 19 years old. So needless to say, it’s super common to be affected by the weather. The good news is we have lots of options at our disposal for how to combat S.A.D.! Check it out below:
5 Tips to Help Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder
Get Outside.
This one may seem counterintuitive because of nasty weather, but just hear me out! A couple of weekends ago I just HAD to get out of the house and no muddy trail was going to keep me from it. I’m lucky enough to own waterproof hiking boots and so I put them on and braved a walking trail I’d been wanting to visit. I mentally accepted the fact that I would get a little muddy and probably half to clean up afterwards and it felt so good!
I was SOAKED and MUDDY after this day but had such a good, different kind of experience!
2. Dress the Part.
It’s raining outside? Grab your rain boots and raincoat. Put on a hat. Wear closed toed shoes. It’s freezing outside? Bundle up! Wear the cute beanie, the thick scarf, the puffy vest. Sure, mentally we could see the cold as an obstacle, but let’s be real- we live in Texas! It’s not that bad :) Make it part of the adventure. I joke with my husband that when we go places I like to channel “hiking Barbie” or “roadtrip Barbie” because dressing the part makes me feel the part and enhances my experience!
3. Keep Your Commitments.
Please don’t hate me! I’m a huge fan of staying in and not being a “yes to everything” person but this is important. Do.not.isolate.yourself. It makes it worse! If it feels insurmountable to socialize, promise yourself you can leave after “x” amount of time. Of course thinking we have to participate at an event for the whole night sounds exhausting but what if you told yourself you were just going to stop by for 30 minutes? That’s much more doable and leaves you socializing while also knowing your limits.
4. Go Hygge.
Any Hygge fans out there?? Hygge is a Danish term that is hard to translate but refers to all things cozy and warm and peaceful about being home; alone or together with others. A few years ago I read The Little Book of Hygge and it helped put a language to a feeling I loved. Hygge means warm blankets, soft lighting, candles, games at home, soups, warm drinks. It’s a positive way of experiencing what could otherwise be seen as a dark time of the year. If you are in a funk, read about Hygge and try a few of the suggestions! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
5. Talk to Someone.
You read the statistic above, right? You are not alone, you’re not crazy, and this will pass. In the meantime, talk with someone about your experience. If you are feeling especially affected, seek out a professional therapist to help guide you through S.A.D. treatment. A good therapist should be able to provide a safe environment that actually feels healing to what is ailing you. Lots of therapists, myself included, will offer a free consultation to help you figure out if therapy is the right thing for you.
—
So there you have it! A guide to treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. I hope this has been helpful and I would love to hear any other tips that you use to treat S.A.D.!