Ah, December 26th. The worst day of the year. Maybe this is a long-felt and deep-seeded resentment stemming from the childhood disappointments that seemed to recur on this day. My memories are prevalent. The sudden disappearance of once-abundant Christmas music on the radio left my spirits empty and my cheer disparaged. The presents that once wrapped and adorned our Christmas tree lay strewn open and no longer possessed mystery. Christmas was done, and it was a shock to my child system.
As I grow older, I realize that perhaps my childhood sadness was not completely naïve. The day after Christmas is still hard for me. It's a difficult shift from Christmas joy to blurry, desolate January. Christmas kept me afloat from seasonal affective disorder. The let down is dark and dull.
Over the years I've come to expect it, this part of my depression that is highlighted through darker skies and colder weather after the holidays. But I've also decided that I don't have to live with the expectation that I will live with seasonal depression that cannot be cured.
These are a few things I've done to combat my seasonal sadness and live a fuller life that I deserve.
1. Therapy Lamps
A serious lack of sunshine makes my disposition not so bright. Last year, my parents lovingly bought me a lamp to make up for the Vitamin D deficit that has affected my low serotonin levels, and it's been a great help. Even an hour a day with my lamp on the desk has been immensely beneficial during those harsh winter months. I'd highly recommend investing in one, like this model from Target.
2. Music and Movement
Merely getting out of bed can be difficult during these frosty winter months, but upbeat music can be a help. Try this Spotify playlist on a morning when you're having a particularly hard time getting up to get you going and into some warm clothes for the day.
3. Feed Yourself!
Depression can affect our relationship with food in so many ways. Perhaps we eat too little, too much, not at all, or we pay no attention to what we're feeding ourselves at all. During times where depression is heightened, remember to feed yourself. Is there anything you love to eat that you have at home? Is it something you can throw in a smoothie or grab and eat? Try this list of depression-fighting foods that take little to no preparation to get some nutrients into your system.
4. Let Yourself Rest
It's completely okay to give yourself a break when you feel that you need one. Give yourself a morning, an afternoon, a day even, to curl up on the couch with a blanket and some tea and a book. Reading can be a great escape, so check out some of these lists of titles for New Years reading.
5. Exercise
Definitely get some movement in. It can be so difficult to get up and get moving, but if you can get yourself to the gym, the endorphins that you get going can be amazing for your mental state. Or, as my therapist tells me, just try to move in any way that you can. Take a walk, sweep your kitchen, play with your dog. Here are some easy ways to get yourself going.
6. Clean Your Space
I personally hate cleaning, but I know it makes me feel so much better when my room is clean. A messy room is not conducive to peace for me mentally. Making your bed, doing some laundry, and throwing out trash from your room will immensely change your outlook. If you're feeling a truly severe lack of cleaning motivation, check out Rookie Mag's piece on getting it done in ten short minutes.
7. Treat Yourself
What makes you extra happy? What's a total treat for you? Whether it be shopping, going out with friends, getting a massage, or going out of town for a day, do it. Trust me, it's helpful. Here are some quick, cheap, and easy ways we can treat ourselves.
My mental health is certainly a work in progress, but I truly believe in these tips. I promise to try to stick to them too.
