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Tips to deal with seasonal depression
Alessia Tenaglia, Contributor
As the holidays come to an end and the festive decorations are taken down to be stored away for the next holiday season, many people generally feel sad and depressed during the months of January and February. As someone that loves spring and summer rather than the cold and darker months, it is all too easy to feel tired of winter. Since the winter season can make us feel down, it is important to keep in mind some helpful tips to make the most of these wintery months!
1. Keep active
Keeping active during the winter, indoors as well as outdoors, is a great way to feel less tired and inactive. Going for walks outdoors can improve your mental health, especially as most of us spend more time indoors during the colder months.
2. Create a playlist for the winter months with your favorite songs
Beat the winter with your favorite tunes! Creating a good playlist to listen to as you navigate your day-to-day in winter terrain is a good way to keep up your energy.
3. Read a novel and/or watch a TV show
Remember nothing is better than curling up under a blanket and reading a nice book or watching an entertaining TV show during the winter.
4. Explore new places
Even though it is cold outside, there are many places to still explore! Consider places indoors that you don’t usually visit in the summer such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, or the Art Gallery of Ontario. Or, if you are looking for something to do outdoors, check out the Toronto Light Festival, the Bloor-Yorkville Light Fest, or skating at Nathan Phillips Square.
5. Bundle up and stay energized
On those days when you really can’t handle the cold, wear a warm scarf or hat. I can honestly say that it makes your day that much better. Also, ensure that you keep hydrated and energized with beverages and other food items.
6. Try your best to keep a regular schedule
Since we are more tired during the darker months, it is best to keep a regular schedule as much as possible in terms of sleep and periods of productivity.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to better endure the winter months!
