Feel Freda Talk

I’m sad. Seasonal Affective Disorder.

I definitely suffer from more negative moods during the colder months and when the days become shorter. I know there are a number of people out there who also suffer from it…

You’re not alone if you deal with this. It’s not SUPER common, but it also isn’t UNcommon. The first time I ever really experienced this, I thought it was super weird and I didn’t really understand it. I used to suffer with general sadness and depression when I was about 12 years old, but as I got older, those feelings faded. I was lucky enough to not be put on medication for depression, but I also believed that it was situational, as opposed to chemical.

My point is: there are ways to help with SAD if you suffer from it, and I’m just recently realizing that these tips and tricks will come in handy for me, so I wanted to share some with you!

Firstly, I’ve been trying to take an alternative approach to the colder weather this year. I’ve been trying to embrace the fuzzy socks, oversize hoodies, and carrying around a cup of hot tea with a blanket draped over my shoulders. I also have those fireplace space heaters that make me feel like I’m at a resort or in a cabin or something. To try and mentally put myself elsewhere; somewhere that’s maybe more cozy or more fun than the place I’m physically in, I’ve found that it helps to take my mind of the negative feelings for a bit.

I’ve also been trying new teas to drink. That has been a fun adventure in and of itself because finding the perfect tea can be a journey and what’s that saying? It’s not the destination…

I also love watching those terrible cheesy Hallmark/Netflix Christmas love story movies. They distract me from getting in my head about how cold it is outside because 9 times out of 10, they’re standing in the middle of a snowstorm or something LOL

I like to think about things I’m grateful for, too! That always warms my heart and helps me to ground myself.

This next one is probably controversial, but… when I’m feeling sad and like I don’t want to do anything, I let myself feel those feelings for a bit. I go through those feelings with myself or in a journal and I try to understand what about my surroundings is making me feel the way I feel. Is it that it’s too dark? Or maybe it isn’t warm enough, so I might just be cranky. Or maybe my sweatshirt isn’t cozy enough. I try to think about what might make me feel better and then I try it to see if it helps. If it’s too dark, I’ll turn on another light, the lights on the Christmas tree, and/or the flames on the fireplace space heater. If it’s too cold, I’ll snuggle up with a heavier blanket, or maybe TWO blankets! If my sweatshirt isn’t comfortable enough, I’ll go find one that feels better.

Sometimes all it takes is a little trial and error before finding something that’ll work for you. Give it a shot!

Talk soon, xoxo.