Take THAT (insert whack), stupid Seasonal Depression. This year, when the winter winds bluster in, we’re determined to stay happy. A few tips to keep a skip in your step and the chill outta your bones.
Keep a busy schedule. Eliminate time to brood, especially if you’re prone to Seasonal Depression–which is intensely real, BTW, and can be totally debilitating. Don’t isolate yourself. Stay active in school, work and playtime. Start a band. Pretend to start a band and play Rock Band with buddies. Take up a new hobby. Perfect time to knit a new scarf.
Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. Endorphins. Endorphins. Endorphins. Plus, you’ll burn off all that hot cocoa. You don’t have to run outside in a blizzard and get frost bite. Hit the gym, buy a few Pilates DVDS, run around the house like a crazy woman. Seriously–do the stairs like bleachers. When it snows–bundle up and get outside. Snowball fights aren’t just for kids.
Shop! Perfect excuse to take a stroll around the mall. Stay warm on someone else’s dime, chat with friends. Don’t lock yourself in your room–lock yourself in a dressing room with 57 different outfits to try on. Duh.
Tan in moderation. A little fake sunlight can warm you up, boost your mood and give you a nice dose of vitamin D. Once or twice a week during winter should do it.
Keep a clean house. Having a cozy haven that you love coming home to can do wonders for those who are prone to get stir-crazy.
Night lights and smelly good candles. Must haves.
Hang out with peeps. Friends, family, strangers. Surround yourself with others. Go to coffee shops to read, do homework, file your nails. Whatever.
If you find yourself really getting down, get yourself up and see a doc. You’d be surprised at what little Prozac cocktail could do for even the slightest of dastardly depression.
And remember, Spring is always around the corner.