Winter is hard on the mind, with lack of sunlight and short days, it drains us mentally and physically. During the cold months we tend to experience seasonal depression (and yes, that is a real thing), “A mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year*.” Every year in August – December I begin to become depressed, I find myself being cranky, less energized, hard on myself, and wanting to be alone ALL THE TIME. Feeling like (pardon my french) shit for months really drags one down. Especially during December, because it’s the holiday season… and no one wants to be depressed when Christmas movies are on ABC Family.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that its ok to be sad, We all feel like this during the stressful months of August-February. I just don’t want you to feel alone, seasonal depression hard to avoid. It’s natural to feel depressed when there’s no sun and darkness rises early every night. I just don’t want you to feel ashamed, just honor the presence of the feelings you are having and find a way to move past them. I have created a small list (in no particular order) of things you can do to lift your mood, for you can create your own happiness.

Heal The Holiday Blues*

Watch your favorite film

Read a book

Workout: Fitness Heals the Body & Mind

Start a new TV Show

Cook or Bake- this stimulates creativity

Go on a small nature walk

Go on a Christmas drive, Look at all the pretty lights

Spend time with loved ones

Have some alone time: shower, bathe, meditate

Write in a journal

*Quote from WebMD

*You can use this list anytime of year you alleviate depression & stress