3 Ways to Practice Self-Care during the Change of Season
As half the world transitions to autumn, there’s a lot to look forward to and enjoy. Fall holidays and events along with colorful trees and crisp air make many people look forward to the season.
Unfortunately, fall can also start mental health struggles that can last through winter. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression or the winter blues, is a depression that begins at the same time every year. Many cases start in the fall and last until spring.
The condition is a real disorder impacted by the diminishing amount of sunlight during this time. If you struggle during the change of season, it’s essential to be kind to yourself and practice self-care to help make the time as enjoyable as possible.
Here are three ways to practice self-care this season.
1. Stay Moving
As the weather gets colder, it’s tempting to just stay curled up inside. However, exercise is an excellent tool for managing depression. Whether you walk, run or begin a new sport, exercise releases feel-good endorphins that can boost your mood and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercising also helps you keep your body healthy, impacting your mental health. It’s so powerful that some mental health professionals prescribe exercise before medication. Moving around helps you stay mentally and physically fit, helping you to feel better throughout the upcoming months.
2. Take Breaks
If you have a job, a family or both, you know how busy life gets. We are constantly running from one thing to the next with little time in between. While you might think working nonstop is the only way to get things done, you’d actually be wrong.
Studies have shown that taking breaks can actually make you more productive. If you’re at the office, don’t skip your lunch break to squeeze in more work. Even just 15 minutes of rest can relieve stress and motivate you through the rest of the day.
If you’re a stay-at-home mom, you know better than anyone that housework and childcare can be endless. Don’t feel guilty about setting aside time for yourself. Take a nap, go for a walk, watch TV. That time will help you recharge and make time with your family more enjoyable.
3. Get Outside
Even when it’s cold, there are many benefits to going out and getting some fresh air, especially when feeling down. Being outdoors helps increase your vitamin D levels and improves your immunity. Doing outdoor activities also decreases your stress hormones and can boost dopamine levels, increasing your happiness. Walking outside can help you clear your mind and even improve your memory. You could also go to a fall festival, take a bike ride or go to a football game. You can help your body and mind feel better throughout autumn and winter by taking the time to get outside.
Practicing Self-Care throughout the Season
If you struggle with your mental health during the fall and winter, know that you’re not alone. Around 10 million Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder each year.
Be kind to yourself during this time of year. By practicing self-care, you can help yourself cope with the change of season and the depression and anxiety it can bring.
If you feel overwhelmed by depression and anxiety, reach out to a trusted health care provider who can prescribe treatment.
Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She has a passion for writing about ways to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life, especially for new moms.
