As the wind gets colder and the days get shorter, have you noticed a shift in your mood? Many people experience a decrease in mood during the winter season, known as the ‘winter blues.’
For 10 per cent of Canadians, this drop in mood is severe and considered Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a condition characterised by extremely low mood, loss of motivation, impaired daily function and a loss of engagement in activities which were previously pleasurable.
Not all people who experience the winter blues have SAD, and those who think they do should consult a doctor about managing the symptoms.
SAD or not, we can all use a little help to take care of ourselves in the colder weather. Here are 10 ways to do just that.
Stay organized
Our environment plays a role in how we feel. Waking up to an organized room can help reduce stress levels. In my experience, the act of organizing, decluttering and cleaning helps me clear my head and boosts my mood.
Keep on top of deadlines
As a student, the worst thing to do is let work pile up. It’s especially tempting in the winter to hit the snooze button and stay tucked in our warm blankets while it snows outside. It’s easy to tell ourselves, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” but each “tomorrow” adds to the pile of work that needs to be completed. As hard as it can be to get your work done on a stormy Monday, the stress of approaching deadlines and unfinished assignments will be more difficult to deal with.
Get social
Serotonin and oxytocin are brain chemicals associated with a positive mood. These two neurotransmitters are released when spending time with friends, pets, community members, peers, family, or any loved ones. You can boost your mood by staying in touch with your favourite humans or animals.
Try a winter activity
Yeah okay, I get it, the freezing weather and knee deep snow sucks. On the bright side, there are so many fun and exciting winter activities to engage in—especially in Ottawa. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a skating rink or ski hill in such a close proximity. Take advantage of the short few months where the rinks are frozen and the ski hills are freshly powdered.
Get decorating
Winter is only as dull as you allow it to be. Try adding some life to your environment by decorating your room with cute holiday themed decorations. Maybe some bright, warm, fairy lights across your room walls or add some posters.
Do a daily gratitude list
Taking the time to write a gratitude list may seem unmotivating and pointless. However, studies found that when people engaged in intentional gratitude activities, they felt better overall. When I feel a little under the weather, I open my journal and force myself to write down all the things I’m thankful for. Right away, I didn’t notice any shift in my mood, but after some time practicing this, I discovered that it made me automatically have a positive outlook on the day.
Practice kindness
Engaging in selfless acts of service for others increases our happiness. This effect has been documented in numerous studies. When I’m feeling low, I put extra time and effort into being there for others, and it often increases my feelings of connectedness and contentment.
Have a laugh.
Perhaps all you need to get through these winter blues is a prescription of humour. Studies revealed that humour increases mood and can alleviate stress. When I laugh, I feel lighter and have an increased ability to take life less seriously. Let’s get you started: How did the vampire bite his prey in the cold weather? With the help of frost bite!
Try aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from different plants to provoke different responses. For example, the scent of lavender is said to produce a calming effect and help with sleep. You can easily infuse your house with your preferred scents by using a diffuser.
Reconnect with nature.
It is widely known that being out in nature improves our well-being. Dr. John Zelenski is a professor and researcher at Carleton who works with ‘The Happiness Lab.’ Much of his research focuses on the positive effects of nature. He suggests a positive correlation between nature connectedness and life satisfaction. My favourite way of connecting with nature is by hugging trees.
While the winter is tough, you’re tougher. Try incorporating these 10 tips into your everyday life to boost your wellness this winter!
Photo from archive by Arthur Daniel
