Yes, Seasonal Affective Disorder is very real. Facing SAD (or any kind of depression) can be overwhelming, and sometimes we don’t know where to start to get ourselves out of it. Here are some FUN tips for combating SAD that don’t feel like therapy:
Do Sun Salutation . . . Indoors!
Pretend you’re on a tropical beach while doing yoga in your living room. Bonus points if you wear sunglasses and play ocean sounds! (The sillier you feel doing this, the better.)
Have a Lamp Shopping Spree!
Convince yourself that buying more lamps will solve all your problems. Your home might end up brighter than the sun, but hey, it’s a mood booster!
Dress Like a Human Rainbow!
Who needs sunlight when you can wear all the colors of the rainbow? Embrace vibrant outfits to trick your brain into thinking it’s summer.
Have an Indoor Picnic Time!
Spread out a blanket, make some sandwiches, open the blinds and curtains for some sunlight, and have an indoor picnic. Bonus: No bugs!
Take Your Vitamin D Gummies
Consume some vitamin D gummies with your daily vitamins. You might not get real sunshine for awhile, but at least you’ll have a gummy bear-induced smile.
Create a Fake Beach Day!
Fill your bathtub, grab a beach towel, and put on your favorite beach tunes. You’ll forget it’s winter while you soak away in Margaritaville.
Hang Out With Happy Lamps!
Spend quality time with a Happy Lamp or light therapy box. You might even start having deep conversations with your new bright friend, but that’s ok because it’s here to help.
Get Ready For a SAD Playlist Extravaganza
Curate a playlist of your favorite sunny tunes. It won’t replace the real thing, but it’s hard to be sad when “Walking on Sunshine” is playing.
Remember these tips are meant to add a dash of humor to your day. If you’re experiencing SAD, it’s important to seek professional help and explore effective treatments. Laughter can be a great companion, but a mental health professional can provide the support you need.
[If you are having severe emotional or suicidal thoughts, please text 988 to connect to a trained crisis counselor.]