If you’re an upstate New Yorker, it’s safe to say that we can all agree that winters are long. Really long. The dark days. The cold. The sun setting early. All of it!
Seasonal Depression is a real thing and so many people experience it. Here are some tips to combat it:
1. Go outside. This may sound counterintuitive, but fresh air can be really helpful. If we can try to get outside those random times that the sun does come out, even better!
2. Exercise. This does not mean you have to go to a gym and exercise until you’re a sweaty mess (unless you want to). But taking walks, doing yoga, simple stretches on your living room floor help to boost serotonin which we all need during the long winter months.
3. Take a Vitamin D supplement. Please ask your doctor before doing this, but it’s pretty common to not have enough Vitmain D if you’re living here.
4. Turn lights on! This also may sound a little strange, I too, love a cozy night with just the fire going. But, it’s already dark all the time, so make sure we are turning lights on during the day when we’re home (it helps!)
5. Plan things that you only do in the wintertime! Winter sports are big up in New York, but if you’re not into winter sports, maybe join a club, or something that only takes place during these long winter months!