By Katie Ginn
Bonus tip: Dress up for movie night! I somehow convinced Stephen to start watching the Western miniseries “Lonesome Dove” with me, and we had to get an “on theme” photo
Well, it finally happened. Before we even “fell back” at the end of Daylight Savings Time, Stephen and I were driving home in the dark one evening, and I felt the existential dread seep in. In the shorter days of fall and winter, when the sunshine is sparse, I sometimes feel a bit of depression.
Mine is a mild case. I have a friend who purchased a special light and sits in front of it each evening at this time of year in an effort to avoid the blues.
Wherever you fall on the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) spectrum – or even if you’ve never felt that gray blanket of gloom settle over you – here are 10 tips to add life and “color” to our physically dark seasons.
- Go outside, even when it’s cloudy. A little vitamin D is better than none at all!
- Listen to Christmas music! Even though Jesus probably wasn’t born on December 25, it’s fitting that we celebrate His birthday at the darkest time of year, as His light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5). Also, when you turn on the Nat King Cole, sing along. According to Sing Up Foundation, when you sing, endorphins and oxytocin are released. “Oxytocin enhances feelings of trust and bonding, which explains reports that singing improves depression and feelings of loneliness.”
- Host a game night if you can. If your calendar is already stuffed, simply inject a good old-fashioned game of Monopoly (or charades, or whatever) into your next get-together. Stephen and I did this with his family a few months ago, and I felt like a kid with no responsibilities.
- Stay on a steady diet of prayer and scripture. I might only take 15 minutes each day to sit on the back patio (see tip number one), breathe, talk with God, and read a bit of His Word. But those 15 minutes can give me a better outlook and prepare me for whatever is ahead. God’s presence and His Word are sweeter than anything else on this list!
- If you can, buy yourself a Christmas gift. Maybe this sounds selfish. Maybe some of you don’t need this directive. But personally, I can’t remember the last time I bought a frivolous article of clothing, and sometimes a pretty outfit can make the dreary days look brighter.
- Read a good book. The night of November 5, I curled up with a collection of late author Jim Harrison’s nonfiction. While Stephen watched election returns, I was breathing the open air with Harrison while he described flushing grouse in Michigan or fishing for tarpon in the Florida Keys. (No, I had never seen either of those creatures before.) Need to escape holiday stress, or decompress from political vitriol for 30 minutes? Read about something completely different.
- Try a new recipe. My tendency to cook the same thing over and over (and over) hasn’t always been great for my mental health. Thankfully, Stephen has broken me of that humdrum habit. What’s one dish you’ve always wanted to cook? Google an easy version, and spice up your kitchen routine.
- Spend time with animals. According to Children’s Hospital New Orleans, “Petting or playing with (pets) has been shown to release endorphins and promote relaxation.” I wouldn’t suggest adopting a pet simply because the days are dreary – not unless you really want to care for said pet the rest of the year. But if you don’t have a pet and don’t want one right now, see if there’s a local shelter (such as Webster Animal Shelter in Madison) where you can visit furry friends.
- Go for a drive. Take the family – or not. Maybe ask your spouse to watch the kids. You could tool around looking at Christmas lights or venture onto a country road for a change of scenery.
- Get active! In the words of Elle Woods of “Legally Blonde”: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. And happy people just don’t kill their husbands.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of “moderate” aerobic activity or 75 minutes of “vigorous” aerobic activity per week. But even 10-minute sessions throughout the day can make a difference. So find something active you can enjoy. It doesn’t have to be a traditional “exercise” as long as it gets your heart rate up!