Last week, we wrote about how spring can be a renewing time. But sometimes, people are still shaking SAD off in mid-spring. Especially when the weather has still be cold and gloomy like it has been these past few weeks!
Seasonal Affective Disorder can hit us hard. Often beginning in the early fall, peaking in mid winter, lightening in the spring. When the seasons change not only does it impact our body but our mind as well. Our circadian rhythm changes, our bodies have to adjust to the colder weather, and these adjustments may leave our brain feeling depleted. Individuals may become pervasively fatigued, sluggish, they may notice a poor appetite or over eating, increased need for sleep, and lower mood and energy levels. This can also look like increased
agitation, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
You might begin to question: what is wrong with me? Why do I feel like this? And time might feel
like it is moving so slowly. One thing to remember is that you are not alone. While around 5% or
more of the population is impacted by SAD (seasonal affective disorder) about 20% of the
population is impacted by the “winter blues”, a milder, more general mood decline in the winter.
What can aid in our bodies’ adjustment to the harsher weather?
Take time to consider what your body may require more of as it gets assimilated to the winter
months
.
- Maintaining a consistent routine can be helpful in increasing motivation when low energy
comes on. With this, consistent sleep and wake is important to feeling more rested. - Getting in exercise is helpful to promote dopamine in the brain and get our bodies
moving. Even short bursts of activity (5-10 min) like jumping jacks, simple stretches, or
sit ups. - Optimizing natural light by opening blinds, getting fresh air, although cold, it can be
refreshing, and remembering to look out your window using the 5 sense grounding
exercise. - Listening to songs that remind you of spring, summer, or even fall- times that the days
felt longer and the air felt more tolerable. It could be helpful to even make a playlist of
these songs. - Drinking plenty of water and eating and snacking regularly
- Re-arranging the room (if possible) to add in new elements, helping us to feel renewed,
and setting up a spot next to a window or light.
Remember- this is a season, not the climate. ‘This too shall pass’. We are approaching
late spring and then summer. We are so close. Hang in there, take care of yourself. And remember, you’re not alone.
If you find that SAD is impacting your day-to-day function, or if you feel like you’re still not able to shake it once the weather is consistently better, it may be time to talk to a therapist.
