Mid winter can be tough. Those winter blues settle in and you wonder if summer will ever come around again. Here are some of my favourite ways to fight Seasonal Affect Disorder when the weather is cold, grey and dreary!
I don’t have a formal diagnosis but I suspect I have SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder). I think many people do during winter months. The lack of sunshine and fresh air takes a toll on your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing!
When I was younger I found it easier to combat the winter blues but now that I have kids I can’t bury my head in a book with a warm cup of tea like I used to. So I have gotten creative. I also have sought God because I have come to realize that He shines brighter when things are dark outside!
God made winter just as He made every other season and there is beauty even in the coldest days!
I also have to remind myself that God created winter. In the beginning He made daytime and nighttime and with those He made seasons. And if God made a time of the year when we are going to struggle then He also is going to give us the antidote!
So here are some of my favourite ways to lighten the dark times of winter!
Table of Contents
Fighting the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affect Disorder
Seek God
Don’t worry, I’m not completely losing my mind and writing the same things over again because of the winter blues. But this is the first (and most important) part of overcoming the SAD days of winter.
We have to remember that God is good whether it is sunny or cloudy. And He has given us seasons for a reason.
We have seasons for planting, seasons to be energized, seasons for harvest and seasons of quiet. We need to approach them with the knowledge and faith that God has something good in each of these times.
Seek God in the winter and ask Him to reveal the purpose for this season to you!
Get Active
I am a big promoter of staying active. 10 000 steps a day with God and 10 000 steps on my step counter!
It makes a big difference when you have been active during the day. Whether it’s home workouts, going outside for a walk or doing dance moves with your kids, when you get the blood pumping you feel better!
Combat the winter blues with movement, in whatever form suits you.
Get Outside
I know this is hard, especially if you have to dress toddlers for the elements. Fighting to put snow pants on is enough to make you want to hibernate until April but everyone feels so much better once they have gotten fresh air.
And if there is sun, all the better!
Do Something You Enjoy
God created us to be busy but it’s okay to take a break too! When we start to feel icky then it might mean we need a brain break and to find an activity we enjoy.
This might mean diving into a good book or audiobook, be it fiction, journalling or non fiction. Or baking some extra treats to put in the freezer (don’t eat them all today!). Maybe plan a little tea party for your friends and their kids, or do something special for valentine’s day for your family.
Think of the things you enjoy doing and plan time to do them. Bonus points if it is something that can help or involve others to help them during these winter months.
I’m currently enjoying two different books, Counted with the Stars; a historical fiction about Egypt during the book of Exodus and Ann Voskamp’s journalling book Gifts and Gratitudes!
Get a Light Therapy Lamp
I got a really great light therapy lamp this year and I love it. Not only does it help fight the winter darkness but it looks stylish in my living room which is major bonus points because my living room usually looks like a herd of toddlers attacked it (lol).
Typically I turn it on in the early hours of the morning, sit with my coffee and my bible and spend time with God.
Check out my favourite therapy lamp available on Amazon!
Don’t let the winter blues take the joy out of today!
Open the Curtains
Don’t forget to get the curtains opened up in your home, in every room. Let as much light in as you can!
Talk to a Professional About Supplements
I don’t want to tell you what to take because I am not a medical professional but if you are struggling there likely are vitamins, minerals and supplements you can take to help you!
Vitamin D is a big one that most doctors will recommend but naturopaths can also recommend additional vitamins or supplements for you. I started seeing a naturopath this year and it has been a game changer!
God gave us natural things on earth to use, it’s just a matter of finding what works for you!
Fill Your Space with Good Scents
I have a strong sense of smell and the more we stay inside, the worse I feel. Mostly because my home starts to smell like dog and potty training toddler (which is what I have been doing for a few weeks now).
So I try to fill my space with good smells. Pot pourri on the stove, diffuser in the living room or natural deodorizers in the bathroom.
Its a mood boost because when it smells fresh, it feels fresh!
Complete A Task
Sometimes our brains need to feel like we have accomplished something and then we feel better! So pick one thing you can start and finish, whether it’s making your bed, folding a pile of laundry or cleaning a toilet. Whatever it is, do it, get it done and feel good about accomplishing it!
Bake Something Tasty
A great task you can start and finish is baking! Bake your favourite treat, but don’t eat it all…put some in the freezer for another day! Choose something that reminds you of warm days, like a blueberry crisp or lemon lavender cookies.
Remember This Too Shall Pass
Spring will be around the corner soon enough. Sandals and dresses will come out and the blazing hot sun will return. All things come to an end, even the cold days of winter!
Don’t let seasonal affect disorder or the winter blues take the joy out of the precious time God has given you!
Know someone who is feeling the winter blues? Share this post with them!
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