It has started. The time change has happened, making it dark by the time you get home from work.
It is starting to get colder, which makes it so much easier to go home and curl up in a blanket than to do anything else.
As the days get shorter, you find yourself losing energy to do things.
You find yourself uninterested in things you used to enjoy.
You are feeling sad, depressed even. And you may be suffering from the Winter Blues.
I get the Winter Blues every year.
I am so tired that I sleep in. When I get off work, I grab fast food, because I have no energy to cook.
I plop down on the couch and watch TV while I eat and then go to bed super early and the cycle starts all over the next day.
I constantly feel tired. I stop wanting to socialize with my friends, but then feel lonely when unloved when I don’t hear from them.
My nights become eating, binge watching Netflix and/or reading a book.
Over the years I have been able to notice when the Winter Blues has kicked in full swing.
It is usually when I look around and see I’m surrounded by take out bags.
Or when I’m crying because I haven’t heard from a friend all week, yet I haven’t wanted to text her either.
After I am able to recognize my symptoms, I am able to do certain things that help.
Get out in the sun.
Winter Blues is a thing, because of the lack of sunlight. So when the sun is out, take advantage of it.
Go stand outside on your lunch break and soak up some sun!
Exercise.
Exercising will boost your mood and increase your energy. Find a workout buddy and take a class. It is easier to skip classes if you are on your own.
But if you know you would be letting a friend down if you skipped, you are more likely to show up.
Socialize.
If you get invited to something go. Even if you don’t really feel like it. Even if you don’t stay for the entire time.
Sometimes, just getting out the house is a good start to boost your mood.
Eat Healthy.
Even though it is 100 times easier to just pick something up on the way home from work, eating healthy will help increase your energy.
When you cook yourself instead of getting take out, you will ultimately feel better about yourself.
Get help.
If you just can’t seem to get out of your funk, go see your doctor.
Seasonal depression is a real thing and can be treated.
Always remember, that the Winter Blues will pass. Spring will come, the sun will start shining and you will get back to your old self.
In the meantime, take care of yourself the best you can.