When the temperature starts to drop and the days become shorter, many people experience a shift in their moods. According to scientific research, people are exposed to less sunlight during the autumn and winter. This in turn reduces overall serotonin levels and can increase feelings of lethargy and anxiety. Though dealing with seasonal depression can be frustrating, there are a number of ways to improve your mental state and warm your spirit. Explore these ideas and find the best way to warm your spirit during the colder months.
Drink Something Warm
When you feel particularly chilly, one of the best things to do is make yourself a warm drink. A cup of tea or hot chocolate can immediately improve the way you feel by adding a slight increase to your overall body temperature. Beyond this, studies point out that warm beverages actually make a person feel happier in cold weather. Scientists believe the main reason for this mood change comes from the general perception that warm drinks encourage a sense of coziness when the weather is disagreeable.
You don’t need to limit yourself to traditional drinks, either. A cup of soup is one of the best meals you can eat when you’re looking to warm your spirit. Not only can soup comfort your soul, but the right stock can actually strengthen your immune system. Chicken noodle soup is a perfect example of this, as the ingredients are loaded with nutrients like fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
Make Plans for the Future to Warm Your Spirit
A bout with seasonal depression can seem overwhelming because it often feels like the sensation will last forever. Even when your logical mind understands that “this too shall pass,” you may not be able to remember what it was like to feel happy. A great way to get around this mentality is by making plans for the future. Simple ways to get the ball rolling include starting a fund for next summer’s vacation or connecting with friends you want to see when spring returns.
Research suggests that having something to look forward to can significantly increase a person’s feelings of optimism about the future. Additionally, placing fun events on your calendar can make you feel like you have some type of control over the direction your life is headed.
Read Books
When depression hits, it can make a person feel isolated and less connected to loved ones. If you’re experiencing this, try picking up a book and reading for a set amount of time each day. Academic research shows that diving into a work of fiction can help a person escape his or her current troubles. As you lose yourself in a story, you will no longer be focused on the issues that are plaguing you.
If you’re not interested in fiction, self-help books can also be a great reading option. Find a book that is focused on stress or depression and discover a wealth of tools you can utilize to get yourself through a difficult period.
Find a Creative Outlet to Warm Your Spirit
There have been countless studies that show that creative pursuits are beneficial for a person’s mental health. When the lack of sunlight is lowering your mood, try your hand at something artistic. Whether you write, pick up an instrument, or color with crayons, you are activating a part of your brain that can significantly reduce symptoms of depression. Some experts also believe that creative outlets are useful for processing trauma and offering insight into deeper reasons a person might be experiencing a shift in mood.
While the cold weather might change the way many people feel about their lives, there are many ways to reduce the impact of seasonal depression. Try your hand at a variety of different activities to discover what will help keep your spirits warm in the coming months.