How to Stay Happy and not S.A.D. in the Winter
Winter is here. Full disclosure, there are a lot of Game of Thrones references ahead. While I feel really connected to Sansa Stark, seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) is a definite thing. It’s pretty common, in fact about 5% of the US population is affected by the winter blues. It’s more common in places that get cold and dark in the winter. This makes sense because the lack of sunlight can cause decreased serotonin, and increased melatonin. Which means, you can be extra moody for no reason and get hella sleepy when you aren’t supposed to be. Other symptoms include an increased craving for carbohydrates and a desire to hibernate. I’m now wondering if I have S.A.D., like, always? I mean, I do love carbs and sleeping.
While I’d love to spend my winter in warm places and my summer in the Midwest, unfortunately a girl needs to have a little thing called a job. Hashtag goals. Given my already anxious state, it’s important that I’m really proactive with my toolkit of ways that keep myself happy in the months where it can sometimes be difficult to exude positivity. Here are some things that I do to keep my mood consistent during the winter. Also, it’s worth saying, none of my content is sponsored. I’m not cool enough for that, so these are things that I personally use. After all, a Lannister always pays their debts.
How to Stay Happy in the Winter
Purchase a Sunlight
I personally think Philips has the best selection. They have a wake up light, which I own, and also an energy light, that future me needs to own. I’m not a morning person, so it’s especially hard for me in the winter to get out of bed. My wakeup light is synced to my alarm and then will gradually brighten up my room to get my ass out of bed. Game changer. The energy light is for daytime use to boost your mood. None of these lamps have U.V. light, of course. I have plenty of U.V. light to last me from my college tanning bed days.
Book a Vacation
I used to feel bad about doing this just coming off time at the holidays. I have learned over the years that if I have a long weekend to look forward to (ideally, some place warm) within the first two months of the year, it seriously helps my levels and increases my daily productivity. If something helps you show up more fully, then you should never feel bad about it.
Purge your Home
I swear this idea isn’t because of the Marie Kondo hotness, I truthfully like to do this at the beginning of each year. Home projects are a nice way to keep yourself busy when going outside is literally the worst. There is something incredibly satisfying about getting rid of items that you don’t need, and perhaps donating them to someone that does. When you’re finished, I recommend a good sage cleanse.
Vitamin D
The primary way to get Vitamin D is from the sun and in the winter sometimes we don’t see the damn thing for days. Lack of Vitamin D can contribute to SAD, so I make sure I am getting plenty of it elsewhere in the winter months. Foods like mushrooms and fatty fish are high in Vitamin D, otherwise I just add a supplement to my diet to make it easy.
Be a tourist in your own city
I love to check out the museums and do other rando tourist things in Chicago in the winter. Trying new things with your friends is not only fun, but also really refreshing.
Enjoy hibernation
I mean, to an extent of course. I’m not going full 24/7 inside the house, but I dig cozy time inside. I take advantage of these days and use them as a time to self care, rest, and recharge. And I love a good show to binge watch, too. My recent recommendation is Friends from College on Netflix.
Take care of yourself physically
In addition to mental upkeep, it’s just as important to take care of yourself physically in the winter. I will not discredit how damn hard working out is this time of year, especially if you are doing it in the dark mornings. Online workouts have become my BFF in the winter because it leaves me no excuse. Hydrate the shit out of your skin on these dry winter days (some of my favorite items are here). I also wear clothes that make me feel good. No one, I mean no one, loves sweatpants more than I do. But, I feel a hell of a lot better when I throw on a good outfit to conquer the day.
Listen to happy music
When you’re getting ready, on your way to work, at work, basically all the time. Throw on some music that really gets you amped up - for me, it’s Florence + the Machine, and watch your mood increase. Don’t be afraid to throw yourself a dance party while you’re at it.
If you don’t watch Game of Thrones, I’m going to go out on a limb and say binging the entire series is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Even though Winter in Westeros is leading to some really bad things, it doesn’t have to be so bad in real life. And honestly, just eat the carbs. Everything in moderation, of course, but what is better than a warm bowl of pasta on a frigid day? Treat yo self.