With the incoming of winter can often come the melancholy associated with seasonal affective disorder (aptly shortened to SAD). This time of year can be particularly difficult: the constantly dreary weather, coupled with the onslaught of midterms can make you feel gloomy, unmotivated and lethargic. Hopefully some of these tips will improve your winter in some small way.
As the cold weather sets in, we spend much more time at home, which is why making sure you feel comfortable in your own space can be a helpful tool for fighting SAD. Personalising your room by adding posters, a rug, or mood lights can make you feel that little bit happier when you are inside.
However, if you are tired of being cooped up in your room, Edinburgh has a lot to offer when it comes to homey indoor environments where you can pass your time. There are countless cafés with different vibes: ranging from the cozy-cabin feel of Black Medicine to the more dramatic backdrop of the National Museum of Scotland’s café. Equally, there are a variety of indoor activities to occupy yourself with, like catching a film at the Cameo Picturehouse, wandering around the National Gallery or checking out the charity shops on Nicholson Street.
Often during the winter, social plans can become less frequent as many use winter as more of a hibernation period. While it is completely valid to spend more time alone if you feel drained, too much isolation can end up contributing more to SAD and connecting with people is key. For motivation, you can lean into the snug activities, like movie nights, baking and dinner parties or get inspired by season-specific activities like pumpkin carving in Autumn or visiting the Christmas markets later in the year. Equally, just calling your friends or family can make a difference.
Settling back into your favourite comfort shows and reads can also help with SAD and the right book or show can help you romanticise the dismal months. I am one of many people who rewatch Gilmore Girls as autumn commences: it helps me get excited to drink hot chocolates, wear knitted scarfs and jumpers and walk around the Meadows among the richly-coloured leaves.
Nevertheless, since SAD does make us prone to listlessness, it is important not to incline too much towards homely activities. Going out into the fresh air at least once a day is essential and getting involved in university clubs and societies can help give you a sense of purpose and boost your energy.
Making little changes like these can improve SAD considerably, but everyone is affected by the condition to a different extent. For those who are severely affected by SAD it can be a more complex condition to manage. It is completely valid to seek extra help from your friends or family, or from the counselling services offered at the university’s Health and Wellbeing Centre. Do what you can to prioritise yourself and your mental health this winter, until the longer, brighter days return.
Photo by Todd Diemer on Unsplash.