4 Powerful Ways to Beat Seasonal Depression and Stay Balanced

Time is cyclical.

Days turn into nights, and nights turn into days, the moon waxes and wanes, summer transitions into winter, and winter transitions into summer.

As the environment changes, so does your body. You are different at night than during the day, at the new moon than during the full moon, and in winter than during the summer.

When the air turns crisp, your breath begins to cloud and the trees become layered in soft white, it may bring on the winter blues.

In this post, we’ll share 4 powerful ways to manage these blues, avoid seasonal depression and make the most out of your snowy months.

What is Seasonal Depression

Life is a balance of rest and activity, and nature reflects that balance back to us.

There are times when you are naturally more extroverted and times when you are naturally more introverted and reflective.

Some of these natural cycles are shorter and others are longer. Seasonal transitions are one of the longer cycles of nature and can bring on feelings of lethargy, lack of energy and seasonal depression.

However, this is just a reflection of nature.

During the winter, all of nature has gone inward to rest. Your body is a part of nature so you will naturally want to rest and spend time alone.

You can manage the symptoms of seasonal depression by making a few small tweaks to your diet and routine.

The Key to Overcoming Seasonal Depression

The key to managing the symptoms of seasonal depression is awareness of your body, mind, and soul.

With this awareness, you’ll be able to gauge your energy levels, your moods, and your deeper desires. From here, you’ll be able to make the best decisions to protect these 3 aspects of your being.

Boundary 1) Protecting your Body

When the transition to winter begins, nature gathers its resources, prioritizes energy conservation and settles down until spring and your body wants to do the same. This can look like craving heartier meals, wanting to rest more and gaining weight.

Gaining weight in winter is not only normal, it’s beneficial! It helps insulate the body and keep it warm in below freezing temperatures. Rest assured any extra weight will fall right off when spring comes around. Now is the time to cut the raw salads and listen to your body.

Boundary 2) Protecting your Mind

Your system sends you signals all the time and one of those is of being tired. If you’re getting the signal that you’re tired—physically or mentally, this is a clear sign to wrap up what you’re doing and rest.

Not getting enough rest during the winter can increase the risks of falling ill. Who want to be coughing and sneezing when you can be wrapped up in a cozy sweater with a warm latte sharing stories around the fire?

Boundary 3) Protecting your Soul

This may be the most important boundary that you need to create and enforce: when to say no. If you’re not in the mood to be social, don’t force yourself. It’s okay to want to spend time alone or with just one or two of your favourite people.

Be mindful and aware of when you need to get some fresh air and when you’ve gotten enough fresh air.

4 Powerful Ways to Beat Seasonal Depression

Depending on where you live, there may be very few hours of sunshine during the day. You may be going to work in the dark, and coming back in the dark. People may be crankier, less friendly and overall, more closed up.

It’s almost biologically built-in to want to go inwards, interact less and spend more time alone during this time.

Here are 4 ways you can work within the biological constraints of the season and make the most of your winter months.

1 – Start your day with movement.

Winter is a time when you’re naturally more lethargic. To prevent this from becoming overwhelming, start your morning with a little bit of yoga and movement to get the prana flowing, and feel energetic throughout the rest of your day.

2 – Eat seasonally.

It’s incredible how nature will provide exactly what you need when you need it. Start to shop for and eat seasonal foods cooked with warming spices to support your body in winter.

3 – Spend time with loved ones.

The feeling of being isolated may contribute to seasonal depression. Nurture your relationships by making it a ritual to visit family and friends weekly or monthly this winter season.

4 – Stay hydrated.

Ayurveda tells us that the air element is prominent in the atmosphere during winter. This gives winter its cold and dry nature. Drink lots of fluids to remain balanced.

Closing Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to be associated with seasonal depression.

Winter can be a time of joy, warmth, and peace. It can be a valuable time when you get to slow down and integrate the lessons of the year and celebrate with friends, family and the people that make life beautiful.

By incorporating these four habits into your routine, you’ll find winter months fly by as quickly as summer months.

Before you know it, snow will be melting, trees will be budding, and birds will be singing you good morning again.

Overcome Seasonal Depression

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