Wellspring January 2014 12 Tips

If you’re like many people, winter can get you down. Here are 12 ways that can help you beat the seasonal blues.

1.  Connect with other humans. Evolution has programmed us to be social. We grow and gain a sense of well-being in the context of relationships.

2.  Send someone you haven’t see in a while a message, preferably hand written, but email will do, telling them that they’ve been on your mind.  You’ll be surprised how people respond and the feedback loop that it creates.

3.  Get enough light, either by getting up with the sun to maximize daylight or buying a light box to shine on you.

4.  Eat right, generally meaning, avoid a lot of carbs that spike then drop your blood sugar. 

5.  Avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, and drink lots of water.

6.  Exercise a much as you can. Embrace the season and consider taking up a winter sport.

7.  Listen (don’t read) to a story, especially a funny story. We seem to be evolutionarily predisposed to listen to stories. Link to stories on NPR, for example, to hear a good tale.

8.  Update your playlist. Listening to music can lift your spirits. 

9.  Get plenty of sleep (but not too much – too much sleep may be a sign of depression).

10.  Don’t rule out seeking professional help. Look for a therapist who will engage you in a relationship, not just a technician. 

11.  Sit with your thoughts. Get off Facebook and LinkedIn and just sit with your thoughts for a while. Follow where your thoughts go, noting them and reflecting on why those thoughts come to you. 

12.  If possible, take a vacation. Any sunny place will do!

Source: R. Keith Myers, LICSW, Vice-President of Clinical & Training Services for Wellspring Counseling