Less daylight, cold temperatures, holidays and life stress, oh and that never ending Covid saga…. It’s overwhelming and can feel all consuming. I’ve struggled with seasonal depression and general anxiety for most of my adult life. I’m finally at a point in my life where I’ve found some techniques that help me get through the season with a little more composure. Maybe they can help you too?
- Regularly taking quality vitamins and drinking enough water. It seems like a simple concept but for years, I never paid enough attention to my water intake and when I did drink something, it was usually a soda or coffee. Keeping that water bottle by my side has changed my skin, my energy level and my general health. Back to vitamins: I used to buy the cheapest vitamins, take them inconsistently and never think twice about the additives and if the quality was actually good for me. When Covid life began, I talked to my pharmacist and found a pure vitamin brand with no extra additives and now feel like when I do get sick, it’s less extreme and my energy levels have really improved. I take vitamin C, Zinc, D, B, and Biotin on a regular basis and feel like a new human (I’m not a health expert so talk to your doctor about what’s best for you). I know vitamin D has made a huge difference for my seasonal depression.
- Caffeine reduction and less phone/ electronics time before bed: I used to rely on caffeine to get me through the day and would leave work feeling like an anxious ball of nerves and have trouble sleeping/ get lost in my thoughts. Then as a result, I would stare at my phone until finally tired enough to put it down. This resulted in restless sleep and having to repeat the process the next day. About 6 months ago, I decided to keep decaf coffee at work and would substitute every 2nd coffee with decaf. Eventually, I was able to get down to one large caffeinated coffee and one decaf per day. My anxiety is sooooooo much better now. Giving up my phone before bed has been a struggle and I don’t always follow my own rules but being more aware of my social media time has helped me create some personal boundaries and step away from it. Also, actively trying to seek positive videos and articles before bed, helps me sleep with more ease. I had to stop watching news before bed because this never helps me sleep well.
- Me time: For me this is playing guitar, listening to a podcast or relaxing music, or going on a walk. I know not everyone has the luxury of personal time, but when I’m especially busy, I try to incorporate this into my house duties. I wash the dishes while listening to that favorite podcast.
- This last one may be a bit silly for some but I wrote myself a positive affirmation song and when I’m feeling down, I sing it to myself. I realized I was allowing the negative thoughts to have too much power over my emotions and self image. This little trick helps keep me positive. Maybe you can use it too?
I am thriving, I’m arriving, I am happy, I am whole
I am healthy, I am wealthy and I always reach my goals
I am thankful for my healing, I am thankful for my life
I am thankful for my family and the ones who hold me tight.
I can do everything because I believe in me
I can do everything because I believe in me
I’m successful, I am helpful, I am loving, I am kind
I make the world a better place and always speak my mind
I am thankful for my healing, I am thankful for my life
I am thankful for my family and the ones that hold me tight
I can do everything because I believe in me
I can do everything because I believe in me- written by Jenny Sveum
May you all have a happy, positive, healthy winter season and be kind to yourselves.
Lots of love,
Jenny