I’m imagining eyes rolling as their owners read this blog. I’m imagining the sighs and dismissive thoughts “Why are you writing about Seasonal Affective Disorder in JULY?!? I’m busy dealing with the social, physical, and emotional challenges of Summer!! I have a pool party to go to!” Or maybe you’re struggling with depression in the summer, which is more common than you think, as discussed in our blog with Summertime Sadness and How Acupuncture Can Help Beat the Summer Blues.
But, when you think about it practically, it’s a great time to start thinking about the changes that will be coming to our daily lives as the days get shorter, colder, and Daylight saving time comes to pass. SAD Awareness day was on July 24th, and it comes at an appropriate time. It’s best to take action to keep your mental health afloat before the dark cold days of winter. Consider these suggestions as we approach the Autumnal Equinox.
But, in reality, it’s a great time to start thinking about the changes that will be coming to our daily lives as the days get shorter, colder, and Daylight saving time comes to pass. Consider these suggestions as we approach the Autumnal Equinox.
Keep Perspective
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a natural reaction. It makes so much sense for our bodies to want to be less active when there are cues from nature all around us to slow down and save energy. Many large mammals hibernate or significantly reduce their metabolism during the winter months. In contrast, “the holidays” is one of the busiest times of the year for humans. Right when we should be slowing down, we stay up late, drink alcohol, socialize, and spend money. And, of course, our work and school schedules don’t take a cut when the days get shorter – we are expected to continue to produce and perform just as much as when daylight and energy is abundant.
Manage Your Resources
I think that people get depressed in the winter by how exhausted they are, and how they are expected to behave as though they are not. Setting boundaries with your activities, financial and energetic resources can be both a refreshing experience of self-advocacy and help with the fatigue and resultant low mood. Actively practice saying no to things you are dreading or not enjoying, and relish the little “yesses” – a comforting meal, a great night of sleep, a short conversation with a friend, instead of an hours-long party. Especially be aware of competition and comparison which can become extra intense at this point in the year.
Get Light and Movement When You Can
With shorter days, exposure to sunlight becomes even more critical for its physiological effects. Listening to this podcast changed how I structure my days in the winter – I make it a priority to get outside as soon as I can, even if it is sitting wrapped in a blanket on my stoop for 5 minutes. Same thing for movement – if you’re too low energy/mood to go to the gym, try some desk stretches, diaphragmatic breathing, or the 7 minute workout. But don’t beat yourself up when lying down is truly the best option.
Eat Right
You do not have the energy to be digesting raw, crunchy foods in the middle of winter! TCM has a whole branch of food/diet-based therapy which advises eating in a way that is harmonious with the weather. Warm, soft, slightly warm foods are easy to digest and weigh less heavily on the body’s capacity to process – which, when you’re depressed, is already taxed. Check out some of our previous blog entries about winter nutrition:
Winter Nourishment
No More Smoothies
Vitality in a Bowl
Get Acupuncture
We’ve written before about how acupuncture can help depression by helping the vital energy (Qi) to move more freely through the body and psyche. Research has shown that acupuncture is a viable treatment option for major depressive symptoms, both in conjunction with medication and alone. An acupuncture appointment allows you space to speak freely about your emotional and physical symptoms without judgment. And, for many people, the act of regularly scheduling something for their self-care is an act of self-compassion that improves self-worth. Get acupuncture now, before the days get shorter and colder, to keep your qi moving and your vitality up.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
