Winter Self-care Ideas

With winter comes cold and shorter periods of daylight. And for some, the shift from fall to winter brings seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A type of depression that’s related to the changes in seasons and begins and ends at about the same time every year. Those who experience seasonal affective disorder tend to feel unmotivated, depressed, or changes in their appetite. I’m no stranger to seasonal affective disorder. When winter hits I find myself struggling to get out of bed most days. My energy level dips, and it’s harder to stay on top of things. But I’ve found a little self-care can help during the winter months.

Seasonal depression can make it harder to practice self-care, you feel unmotivated and rather stay in bed all day. Recovery takes time and taking small steps each day will help you feel better. Adopt the habit of making self-care during the winter months a priority and lift yourself out of the funk that is seasonal affective disorder. Here are some winter self-care ideas that you can practice to boost your mood and lessen the effects of seasonal affective disorder.

Going Outside

Depending on where you live, getting outside doesn’t appeal during the winter. I grew up in Michigan and the last thing I would want to do is go out into freezing temperatures in the winter. On the few nice days, we’d have during the winter I’d get out and enjoy a little outdoor time. To combat seasonal affective disorder and boost your mood bundle up on and go for a short walk or enjoy a warm drink outside.

Nourishing Foods & Vitamin D

During the winter we tend to spend more time indoors and our vitamin D levels drop and low levels of vitamin D can lead to seasonal affective disorder. To counteract this make sure you’re getting plenty of sunlight and eat nourishing foods that are rich in vitamin D.

Foods rich with Vitamin D: 

• Mushrooms
• Salmon
• Tofu
• Eggs

Connect with others

During the winter months, it’s easy to withdraw and want to hibernate at home. To help boost your mood spend time around positive, supportive people. Join a friend for a coffee date or have a cozy night in and watch movies instead of isolating yourself. You don’t have to experience seasonal affective disorder alone so don’t be afraid to lean on others for support.

Hobbies

Hobbies are not only fun but a great way to stay active during the winter. So instead of parking yourself in front of the TV keep yourself busy with a hobby and add some fun and variety to your routine, by learning a new skill.

Sit by a Window

Exposure to light during the winter months can boost your mood. With shorter periods of daylight, it’s easy to go most of the day with little exposure to natural light. To increase your exposure your sunlight exposure open your curtains and spend time sitting by the windows.

No matter what your mental health looks like, these suggestions for self-care can help you manage your seasonal affective disorder. Remember these are only suggestions, so if you find yourself seriously struggling seek professional help.

Related post: 7 Spiritual Self-Care Ideas to Nourish Your Soul

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