Hola everybody and welcome back to the blog. As it is currently the beginning of December here in Brussels, and the last few weeks have been cold, dark and rainy, I have to wonder if any of my fellow northern-city dwellers are also going through a bit of a funky mood. S.A.D, “a major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, typically rears its ugly head in autumn when there’s less light and ends around March or April” [1].

So in an attempt to uplift my mood, and to spread good vibes your way, I’m here to share some easy ways to combat SAD this autumn :).

Tip 1: Get outside and spend some time in nature. Now I know for many of you (myself included), the idea of wading out into the frozen dreary tundra of December sounds less than appealing, but this tip is meant to focus more on the natural side of things. If you are fortunate enough to live near a big body of water, forest, mountains, etc. then please take advantage of it and make it a practice to spend at least 10 minutes a day soaking up Mother Nature’s wonders. If, however, you are like me and live in the middle of a city with no mountains or rivers in sight, then try to find a small park or local garden to get your green time in. Even just ten minutes outside will do wonders for your mood and your mind. 

Tip 2: Stay cozy warm. While you may have seen many posts on here dedicated to the Wim Hof method of cold exposure to make the body stronger, this tip meant to bring us comfort when we aren’t feeling the best. Sometimes you seek challenge, other times you need comfort. This could mean layering up in your fuzziest threads, enjoying a warm cup of tea, or gathering around the table to share a warm home-cooked meal with loved ones. When you’re suffering from the autumn blues it’s important to take it easy and find pleasure in the little things- like a warm and cozy home.

Tip 3: Fill your home with uplifting scents. Going off of the previous tip, once your house is warm and cozified it’s time to make it smell nice. Each smell can evoke a different feeling and some of my favorite include: citrus (for an awakened and uplifted mood), cinnamon (for focus and concentration), lavender (for ease and tranquility), and white sage (as an air purifier). Whether you choose candles, incense sticks, or essential oils try incorporating different scents to bring a bit more brightness to your day. 

Tip 4: Get some house plants. Plants are multi-purpose. They purify the air, brighten up a space and can increase one’s mood and focus. “Our predisposition to love plants has a name: Biophilia. It’s defined as our tendency to prefer natural environments as a result of evolution. Research shows that because we have such a strong positive association with plants, their absence in our lives can actually cause physical and mental stress” [2].

Plants have such a strong impact on humans that studies have shown that “Plants placed in hospital recovery rooms as well as views of beautiful gardens help patients heal faster” [3]. So, if you’d like to incorporate some more greenery into your life but are worried about maintenance then fear no more,  here are some of the easiest to care for house plants. 

Tip 5: Make time to socialize. When the seasonal blues strike it’s hard to find motivation to venture outside to meet new people but I encourage you all to get creative! Socializing comes in many forms and some simple ways include: inviting friends over for a dinner party or board game, meeting for a spa day (or making your own at home together), or even taking a day trip outside the city to explore someplace new. Surrounding yourself with friends and family will help you take your mind off of the crap weather and effects of SAD. It doesn’t matter which way you choose to socialize as long as you’re making time for those in your life that you care about. You may also find that they are going through something similar and it could help both of you to talk about it. 

Tip 6: Move your beautiful body. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, one of the best ways to boost your mood is to exercise. Exercising releases endorphins, also known as the ‘feel good hormone,’ in the body so I’d be remiss not to mention it in a post about finding ways to uplift your mood. If you’re looking for inspiration, I have many yoga and workout videos on my YouTube channel :) 

So what do you all think? Any tips on here that you could see implementing into your routine, SAD present or not? Any practices that you currently have that I forgot to mention? Please leave them down below cause I’d love to know.

Thank you all so much for stopping by this week and I’ll see you all here next Tuesday for a new blog!

Xoxo,

Alexandra 

Sources:

1. You, Therapy For. “12 Top Tips for Coping with SAD and Depression.” Therapy For You, 8 Dec. 2017, www.therapyforyou.co.uk/post/12-tips-coping-with-sad.

2. Kirts, Leah. “Why Plants Make You Happy.” Horti, Horti, 27 June 2018, heyhorti.com/blogs/thedirt/why-houseplants-make-you-happy

3. “5 Reasons Indoor Plants Make You Happier.” Plantscapers, 26 Oct. 2017, plantscapers.com/5-reasons-indoor-plants-make-you-happier/.