Spring is almost here. Sunshine, longer days, and warmer weather are creeping up on Winter. For some, the winter season can bring lethargy and melancholy. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression people experience seasonally. As spring rolls around, here are four things you can do to beat the seasonal blues.
1. Get Some Sunshine
The biggest reason people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the lack of sunlight. Scientists are still unsure of why our bodies need sunlight. One theory is our skin uses the sun rays to create vitamin D which has been linked to depression and energy levels.
Whatever the case, doctors and scientists alike agree that humans need sunshine. Springtime means longer days, warmer weather, and more sun. Do your best to take breaks outside. Take your dog for a walk or go for a walk by yourself. Have a picnic at the park with warm blankets and a thermos.
2. Enjoy Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Springtime brings flowers, plant growth, and tasty local veggies. Depending on where you live, you may get many of your fruits and veggies flown in across the country or even the continent. These plants get picked too early and aren’t as rich with nutrients as when in season.
In the spring, you should eat fruits and vegetables which are in season and grown as locally as possible. Some of these include strawberries, carrots, cherries, artichokes, lettuce, spinach, peas, and grapefruit. Eating healthy will help replenish your body with nutrients that give you energy and fight your depression.
3. Journal about Springtime
Writing and positive-thinking are two Therapy-approved ways to cope with depression. When you write about positive things, like springtime, you benefit in several ways.
Spring is a time of new beginnings. It is filled with the wonderful beauty of fresh growth, flowers, baby animals, and warm weather. Things come back to life in the spring. Writing about nature and the seasonal change will get you thinking positively. You will also enjoy nature, get outside, and give yourself a break from the daily droll.
Start yourself off with these 12 spring journal prompts.
4. Rely on Your Support Group
Building a support group is a great way to help yourself through seasonal depression and after it. A support group can be comprised of friends, family, therapists, mentors, and anyone who listens and helps you. Stay away from negative people who make you feel worse. They don’t have your best intentions in mind.
A support group can help you get out of the house, interact with people, and let you talk about how you’re really doing. Seasonal depression can make you want to hole up alone, but socially isolating yourself is as unhealthy as smoking 15 cigarettes!
Whether it’s Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall, this advice is good for all types of depression, not just SAD. If you experience severe symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. These options are not a cure, but if you sincerely use them, they can lessen your depression.