Therapy helps relieve seasonal blues
If the change of seasons causes you to feel sad or anxious. Getting in for a couple of counseling or talk therapy sessions can help you to refocus and get your mood into better space for the seasons ahead.
In Washington state and the Pacific Northwest we get an especially high amount of seasonal blues due to having less sunlight and getting less Vitamin D on a regular basis. It can be a good idea to check with your doctor to see if you are getting enough Vitamin D, and it can be a good idea to talk to a mental health counselor to see what you can do to elevate your mood as we move into seasons of less sunlight and a lot more rain!
Talking to someone can help you to have perspective, and set up plans and routines that help you feel better and stay connected as the winter season approaches. In addition to talking to your doctor and a mental health counselor, here are 5 more things you can do to feel better this Fall and Winter!
Visit with family and friends Hybernating and being reclusive can come naturally during the coming months, but one of the best ways to feel good is to stay connected to people we love and those who bring us joy! So plan some time into your schedule each day or week to call a loved one, have coffee with a friend, or volunteer in your community to connect with those around you and feel like your a part of something bigger than your own thoughts and worries.
Journal daily It no secret that writing down how you feel, or a few gratitude statements can help you feel better about your life and how things are going. Tons of studies, research, and therapists the world over promote journaling as one of the best ways to track your mood, get some perspective, and change your thoughts to change your mind and outlook on life. So take a moment each morning or evening to write down one of two things that went well for you during the day, and to rate your mood in the moment and overall. Flip through it occasionally to see the patterns, and if you see negative patterns, get in to talk to someone so you can work on feeling better!
Get enough exercise and sleep Moving and resting your body are two more great ways to stay in a good mood during dark seasons. If you are not getting enough rest or sleep, move more. Wear your body out so you can get good rest at night. If you are feeling lazy or having a hard time getting off the couch, or sleeping too much, move more! Getting your body moving will help you get energy, and also help you get rest you need at night. Taking time to get a good 8 hours of sleep at night will help you to have the energy you need during the day to get things done!
Drink enough water Even with the push to drink more water, we humans tend to be dehydrated and/or drink more dehydrating liquids than hydrating ones. All the coffee and soda can really mislead us into thinking we are more hydrated than we are. Especially with all the bathroom breaks. But water, tea, and even some juices are going to give you a lot more hydration that your body needs to feel good. One of the best ways we can feel good in our bodies is if we are fully hydrated, after all we are made up of mostly water. Not sure if you are getting enough water? You can pinch your hand or look closely at your skin to see how hydrated you are. If it looks like you cells are dry, you may need to drink more water!
Give yourself (and someone else) some love Hugging, hand holding, and close contact are great ways to boost your endorphins and feel really, really good. So, with consent, give and receive as many hugs as you can from those you love and are close to. If you’re not especially close to anyone, or in between hugging partners, an animal is a great way to get and give some love. Hug and snuggle your pet, or get one if you don’t have one, and let them be your cuddle buddy. Make human contact a priority every day so that you are getting and giving the love you need and deserve each day.
If any of these tips are hard for you to do, or you don’t have access to what you need to get them done, it may be time to talk to a mental health counselor who can help you get reconnected with yourself, foster loving relationships, and feel good in your body, mind, and spirit.
I’m offering a Fall Special for New Clients of $100 per session through the end of 2024. You may only need 1, 2, or 3 sessions to start feeling better and get things back on track. Please do yourself a kindness and connect with a counselor today. You deserve to live the best life you can imagine and I’m here to help you reach your goals!
No go get yourself a PSL or kick some fall leaves and get ready to welcome in another lovely change of seasons!
