Here in Vermont we’re officially in the hunker down period. Yes, we ski, and snowboard, and snowshoe, and sled, but we also know that there is a ways to go until those first glimmers of spring. And even those are futile when Second Winter comes dumping down in mid-April. A couple years ago I played an entire field hockey game in snow showers…in May.
I recently posted a reel on Instagram that touched on Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s something I’ve struggled with much of my life, but even more so in adulthood. Once the holidays are over I often feel down, distracted, and moody. I have a hard time finding energy, which could be attributed to how SAD impacts my quality of sleep.
In order to combat and manage those symptoms, I turn to several things:
1) Exercise
2) Talk therapy
3) Connecting with Friends
4) Prescribed Medication and
5) Cheerful Surroundings
Being that so many people are spending their working days and personal time at home, it’s even more important than ever to create an environment that is inspiring, nurturing, and up-lifting. Here are a few easy ways I use decor to make my space more cheerful.
Fresh Flowers: if you saw my reel, I shared how I created simple arrangements of fresh flowers throughout these winter months. The gentle floral aroma instantly lifts my mood and makes me feel like we’re in (real) spring. I also love the bright, feminine appeal it brings to a space.
Update the Everyday: Once the holiday decor is tucked away, I like to reevaluate the space it once occupied. Not only does playing with design bring me joy, I always love to see what different combinations, textures, and elements can do to a space. Holiday decor tends to be much more full, bright, and shiny so when those spaces are empty I take a more muted and subtle less-is-more approach to give my senses a chance to breathe. I tend to be a neutral queen anyway so this is an easy achievement! Neutral tones, organic materials, and matte finishes are my go-to.
Declutter: At the start of each season I like to carve out time to purge some areas in the home that tend to get bloated season after season. This is especially true after the holidays when my kids have acquired new toys and clothes. I grab a plastic bin and move room to room, pulling open drawers and cupboards to purge anything that we haven’t used or hasn’t been played with. Sometimes those things get tucked away, but most often they are consigned or donated. My mind tends to fixate on clutter and that is an anxiety trigger for me, so making purging a practice is useful in managing my mental health.
Curate Color: I mentioned that I tend to gravitate toward neutrals, but when the skies are so gray this time of year I do try to incorporate some color around the house. That might take place in floral arrangements, a bowl of lemons in the kitchen, or pops of blue in throw pillows or pieces of art. My go-to colors are usually yellow (sunny and cheerful) or light blues (reminding me of beachy waters), but you should incorporate colors that speak to you!
Ditch the Drapes: With SAD, or seasonal blues in general, the lack of natural sunlight causes serotonin to drop. The more you can get outside (even if it’s cold) and let natural light in, the more serotonin your brain will produce. Light therapy can be a great substitute for this, but I also like to keep blinds, drapes, curtains, etc open throughout the entire day. I am working from home so it’s important that I find places to work that increase my exposure to the natural sunlight. Sometimes that means moving my work station halfway through the day to chase the light.
It seems simple, but getting my surroundings to a place that is more mentally uplifting is a useful tool in my SAD toolbox. I hope some if these ideas can help you battle the winter blues!
Whether you’re struggling with SAD or the winter blues in general, it’s not in your head! Don’t ignore the symptoms. Seek help.