Written by Aubrie Buldain
Do you ever feel that you develop a change in your mood during winter? Maybe you’re more irritable, or you find a harder time completing tasks that before you would be able to complete with ease. Well, the truth is you’re not alone in this. Ten million Americans suffer from seasonal depression each year and find it hard to stay motivated when the weather tells us to snuggle up in a warm blanket and binge-watch your favorite show.
The good news is that this seasonal depression is not year-round. That’s right; nature provides us with her natural medicine each year starting March 20. Do you know what it is? The start of spring!
Here are some tips and tricks to spring out of the winter blues so you can get back to feeling 100% again.
●Spend some time outside doing what you love
Spend some time outside. Whether playing your favorite sport, attending the spring training of your favorite baseball team or just taking a nice walk around your neighborhood. Mind.org states, “Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.” Why not take some time out of your day to get at least 15 minutes of sun to help with these blues you may be dealing with? With the start of spring comes warmer weather making it more enjoyable to spend time outside, so read a book outside; if you’re doing online classes, try and complete the outside. You will truly reap the benefits of spending time outdoors!
●Little plant friends
I know what you’re thinking; caring for plants? Yes really! Spring is the perfect time to start that garden you’ve been dreaming of for the past year. Now is the ideal time to do so! Healthline states, “Studies have shown that gardening can help reduce feelings of depression.” So why not plant a couple of fruit or vegetable plants in your backyard? Or even a cute succulent that doesn’t take much work to keep up.
●Busy Schedule = Busy mind
It can be easy to dwell on how you feel, but it’s not always good. Getting out of a negative mindset is key for recovering from seasonal depression. Why not call a friend and spend some time together at the park or have a picnic? Keeping an open schedule will keep your mind busy, making it easy not to dwell on negative thoughts and feelings. Look on your community’s website to see if they’re hosting any Spring events. The majority of the time, communities will come together to make the springtime fun!
It can be easy to dwell on how you feel, but it’s not always good. Getting out of a negative mindset is key for recovering from seasonal depression. Why not call a friend and spend some time together at the park or have a picnic? Keeping an open schedule will keep your mind busy, making it easy not to dwell on negative thoughts and feelings. Look on your community’s website to see if they’re hosting any Spring events. The majority of the time, communities will come together to make the springtime fun!
It can be tough getting out of seasonal depression, but know that you are capable of doing it! Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family for help too. This year, make the most of spring by letting the season bloom with good vibes!
What a re-leaf it is that spring is almost here!
Citations:
Stewart, K., Migala, J., Fritz, A., Zoldan, R., & Lawler, M. (n.d.). How exercise boosts your health. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from
https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness-pictures/amazing-benefits-of-exercise.aspx
Stanborough, R. (2020, June 17). 10 benefits of gardening, plus helpful tips & recommendations. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from
https://www.healthline.com/health/healthful-benefits-of-gardening#boosts-mood
https://www.healthline.com/health/healthful-benefits-of-gardening#boosts-mood
Flick, G. (2019, October 31). Seasonal affective disorder impacts 10 million Americans. are you one of them? Retrieved March 01, 2022, from
https://www.bu.edu/articles/2019/seasonal-aective-disorder/
https://www.bu.edu/articles/2019/seasonal-aective-disorder/
How nature benefits mental health. (n.d.). Retrieved March 01, 2022, from
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and mental-health/how-nature-benefits mentalhealth/#:~:text=Spending%20time%20in%20nature%20has ,with%20mild%20to%20moderate%20depression.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and mental-health/how-nature-benefits mentalhealth/#:~:text=Spending%20time%20in%20nature%20has ,with%20mild%20to%20moderate%20depression.
