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What’s the Deal With Seasonal Sadness?

Happy November! I know I have been missing in action for a while, but I’m glad to have returned to the KTOT team just in time for the holidays. We have so many exciting things to look forward to and be grateful for… Thanksgiving, Christmas, a whole new year… Black Friday is also coming up, and here on Kelly’s Thoughts on Things, we have the ever-helpful Holiday Gift Guide so you know exactly what to look for. It’s sweater-weather season, it’s hot coffee season, it’s find a cuddle-buddy season! For me personally, this is what I consider Teavana season: basically, I blow all my money on expensive teas, but constantly remind myself that it’s worth it as I sip it out of my cute little mug and write poetry. 

With all these great things going on, however, some people start to feel a little sad. Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year, and for a few weeks before it, I started to not feel that great. Even when I picked my pumpkin, even when I drank my apple cider, even when I wore my hoodies for the first time in a while… something wasn’t right! Fall is beautiful, it’s my favorite season: but once the leaves change and the temperature drops and the days shorten, my moods begin to get a little sad…

There are actually studies that show an estimated 10 million United States citizens are affected by the transition to winter. Due to the lack of sunlight and the darker days, there is a legitimate effect on the human mind. Unfortunately for me, I am one of those people who seem to be disturbed by it. However, I’ve come up with a mini remedy I follow to beat these blues and stay positive.

1.) Take Vitamin D. – Believe it or not, even if you think you’re getting enough sunlight, you (most likely) aren’t. During the winter, the sun is further away from you than it is in the summer, so even if you’re outside playing soccer for 2 hours each day like me, it doesn’t have the same effect on you as it does in the warmer months. Taking vitamin D is a healthy alternative to meeting your body’s needs. This increases your energy and moods, and keeps you lively. 

2.) Stay busy. – The number one thing for me is having an active schedule. When I find myself staying at home, it is easy for me to get upset. To keep my moods up, I like to constantly be doing things. Whether it is driving around with my friends, getting involved with community service, joining a club, finding a new hobby, or being a part of a team, I like to utilize my time efficiently and be productive. It’s also a great way to learn and experience new things. Instead of sitting at home, you’re keeping your mind active so you are less likely to dwell on situations that will make you sad. 

3.) Buy warm beverages. – There’s comfort in holding warm beverages. Whether you make hot chocolate or coffee or cider at home, or like to take trips to Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, it’s totally up to you. I personally know that whenever I have a warm beverage, I instantly feel calmer and cozier. At my work, we have a coffee machine in the back, so if I’m too rushed to go to Dunkin Donuts and order something fancy I always utilize the free coffee option no matter how plain it is. The comfort of coffee still has the same effect and definitely helps me get through the night. 

4.) Wear cozy clothes. – The cold months can be a great time for fashion. It’s always fun layering clothes, wearing boots, accessorizing with scarves, etc. My personal favorite essentials for the fall/winter are definitely flannels, combat boots, my wedge heels, and I’ve totally got my eye on the military style jackets. Other popular trends are oversized sweaters with leggings, infinite scarves, and beanies. Cold months are a great time to layer up, accessorize, and be fashionable. As long as you’re cozy and feeling confident, you’ll be feeling happier in no time. 

5.) Exercise. – I know that nobody likes to go running when it’s cold out. My least favorite thing used to be playing soccer in the cold months because it hurts to breathe, and I never knew how to dress (under armour or no under armour?). However, making sure you get in that exercise is essential to a better mood. In the winter, people are more inclined to be lazy. Like I said, the coldness and darkness literally depresses you. This makes you want to sit on your couch and not do anything. Fight the urge to be lazy! Get out and do something. Whether you go to the gym and run on the treadmill for a half an hour, do some Blogilates Youtube videos in your room, join a yoga class, or take advantage of that kickboxing membership you applied for a couple of months ago and never utilized (oops), staying active is a great way to keep your mood up. 

Overall, I hope these simple steps help brighten your mood. Staying positive is extremely important. It’s easy to allow the winter blues to get to you, but you don’t have to let them conquer you! Next time you’re feeling a little weepy, put on a cozy sweater, go for a walk with your friends, buy a coffee, and you’ll be in a better mood in no time. 

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