During winter breaks, people often experience depression and anxiety. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a support system and be mindful of your relationships to help maintain healthy connections.

Winter time can cause varying degrees of mood changes, from the milder winter blues to the more severe seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It’s important to recognize the symptoms and work to successfully navigate the winter season.

As the winter season approaches, many people experience a sense of low mood, commonly known as the Winter Blues. The combination of dark, gloomy days and frigid temperatures can take a toll on one’s emotional well-being. In some cases, the Winter Blues can escalate into a more severe condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that is triggered by the change of season. If left untreated, SAD can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. However, there are various therapies available to manage this condition. Additionally, there are several practical solutions that can help alleviate the symptoms of SAD and boost one’s overall mood and well-being during the winter season.

To break the cycle, try one of the following ideas to break up the winter.

1. Go outside- Nature helps our mood immediately.
2. Make a weekly plan for a loved activities (book club, brunch, etc)
3. Light Therapy- Vitamin D lamps do work
4. Sleep- Make a plan to sleep 8 hours
5. Workout- Physical exercise helps the body regulate.
6. Make it a game- It takes an adult 21-30 times to break a pattern or learn a new task, when play is added it takes under 10 times.
7. Have a plan- Keep with a schedule and make sure to change your clothes and create a schedule to keep yourself on task.
8. Comfort food- It is not only about eating. Taking the time to learn to make a dish, actually eating a the table instead of in front of the TV, or even indulging on the Friday night takeout can help increase the mood.
9. Family and friends- Surrounding yourself around people who makes you smile is never a bad thing.
10. LAUGHTER- What makes you laugh? The benefits are amazing.