Remember that old saying that March comes in like a lion but out like a lamb?
Seasonal depression can be the same way. It slowly creeps in during the fall and clings on until spring and often you don’t realize you’re living in a cloud until it’s too late.
While it might feel like a lonely time, you’re not alone. Over 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) each year, and women are four times as likely to be diagnosed as men.
As we push toward that final stretch of winter, we’re sharing some of our best tips for beating those wintertime blues.
Get out in Nature
Yes, it may be freaking freezing outside, but bundle up and head out anyways. The fresh air, the natural vitamin D, the break from whatever you’re juggling inside the house. It’s ALL amazing. Taking a mental break and getting your blood flowing is one of the best ways to help change your mindset.
Take Care
What we put into our bodies has such an immediate effect on how we feel. Whether it’s nurturing yourself with extra supportive foods or upping your supplement game, making a commitment to your own self-care through nutrition can have an immediately uplifting effect.
Find Your People
This time of year it's easy to isolate, but taking the time to be with your people - the ones that light you up and bring all the good vibes - can make everything seem a bit brighter. Connection, companionship, and laughter are soul feeders.
Breathe
Take note of the way you’re breathing. Research has shown that by breathing mindfully, you can actually shift your emotional state. Changing the rhythm of your breathing can signal relaxation and calm your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our “rest and digest” functions. When we’re happy, our breathing is regular, deep, and slow. It can be irregular, shallow, or short when we’re stressed or sad. When you follow breathing patterns associated with different emotions, you’ll actually begin to feel the same way.
Wellness is about SO much more than just not being sick. It’s about investing time and energy into cultivating the happiest, healthiest version of yourself both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even five minutes of self-care is worth it!
Wishing you wellness -
The Seattle Elderberry Crew