Feel Good Even When The Weather Is Bad
Does the cold weather and long nights make you feel sluggish and want to hibernate? Are you struggling to find the energy to tackle work and family projects? Maybe you just want to avoid people and be alone? If you specifically struggle with these emotions when the temperatures are chilly and days are shorter you may be experiencing the winter time blues. In serious cases, it’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder (depression) or SAD. It’s caused by reduced sunlight which disrupts the body's internal clock (circadian rhythms) and affect the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and melatonin, which are linked to mood and sleep. The good news is that there are ways to ease the burden of those seasonal feelings... in both mild and severe cases.
Here’s a few mood boosters that help you feel like your best self:
- Keep Moving - walking or your favorite indoor/outdoor workout increases endorphins and energy (don't be afraid to change it up.)
- "Get Lit” - studies show that increasing light in your space can support the daily dose of sunshine our bodies need.
- Stay Warm - maintaining your body temperature with the right winter gear allows you to think more about what you’re doing and less about being cold and uncomfortable.
- "Go Green" - add a plant or flowers in the rooms where you spend the most time (think: office/desk, night stand, or on near your tv.) Elements of nature can help reduce stress and bring a calming energy into your space.
- Stay Connected - socializing and interacting with people can be emotionally nurturing and combats feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- "Spring board" your plans - start planning for spring/summer events, vacations, and other goals. This helps expand our vision into the warmer months and encourages our brain to look beyond the current climate and into the warmer months.
Don't be fooled. The winter blues can also show up on the job. It can trigger lower productivity, low enthusiasm, and isolation. This can quickly become team and organizational problem.
I encourage team and people leaders to also explore ways to lift workplace energy this time of year. Organize hot chocolate happy hours or other activities to keep staff motivated and engaged in healthy, collaborative work environments. Inspired employees are more likely to stay productive at work.
Similar winter fun can also energize families too… like hosting games nights and indoor/outdoor sports (ice skating, rock climbing, or neighborhood bounce house gym.)
It's important to know that we take our mood everywhere we go and it can spill over into varies areas of our lives. So addressing our feelings is important to our individual wellbeing and the energy we share with others.
If you believe you are struggling with seasonal depression, talk to your physician, therapist, or wellness professional to seek additional support. You deserve to feel good and balanced all year round. 🪴
