I know we’re all feeling it a little right now.
The winter scaries creeping in.
Well, if you’re a North American girlie like me, or maybe you live in a similar corner of the world that gets cold, wet and rainy in the winter. It can be a brutal time of year.
I’m here to remind us all today that we don’t have to be depressed all winter. We can still thrive, it just takes a little more effort.
So, today I bring you 9 tips to beat seasonal depression this year so you can do more than just survive for half of the year. We deserve more than that.
Let’s get to it.
Tip #1: Take Your Vitamins
You can roll your eyes at me all you want, but eye rolls don’t cancel out vitamin deficiency. Us Canadians are especially aware of how little vitamin D we are getting in the winter. SO.. we will supplement it. I personally take a combo of Vitamin D + K. I also drink a greens supplement every day.
How can we expect our brains to work well (and be happy) if we aren’t giving ourselves what we need? Common girl.
That brings me to my next tip… You’re gonna hate this one too.
Tip #2: NON NEGOTIABLE EXERCISE
I don’t care what you do. I don’t care for how long you do it. But I do care that you do some form of exercise at LEAST 3 days a week.
No further explanation needed.
Tip #3: Make Your Space Enjoyable
This is such a sneaky and underrated way to improve your life through the winter when we’re spending more time at home. Make your home somewhere you wanna be.
Make it cozy, make it a vibe, put some effort in.
My favourite things to make my space more enjoyable include:
- candles
- colourful lights
- incense
- crystals/other cute decorations
- cozy blankets
- books
- background music
- space heater
- heating pad
Honestly the more the merrier. Get into it.
I’ve made an Amazon list of things I love for my home, check it out here!
Tip #4: MUSIC
Play more music. Whatever music makes you happy, makes you feel joy, peace, contentment.. play that.
NO sad music.
Only music that makes you feel positive, inspired, uplifted… or music that you wanna break your fucking neck to. That works too. #myhomeistherave
Play it during your morning routine, play it in the shower, play it in the car.
More good vibes more often.
Tip #5: Pick Up A New Hobby
Try something new! There’s so many indoor hobbies that are perfect for winter to fill up some of your time and give you a sense of accomplishment and joy.
I took up painting last winter. I’m terrible at it but it’s fun and relaxing. I love to use lots of colours to brighten the mood even more.
These hobbies don’t have to cost a lot either. All of my paint supplies are from the dollar store.
Other indoor hobbies include: reading, crafts, crocheting, pottery, candle making, baking, drawing, learning a language, writing, scrapbooking, or learning an instrument! So many options.
Tip #6: Plan Things To Look Forward To
Whether it be seasonal depression or post travel depression, this is a great tip.
Have things to look forward to in your calendar.
Buy tickets to a concert, go see a comedian you like, plan a girls night, go to a movie, plan a hangout with that friend you really like but don’t see often.
Look on ticketmaster for events in your area coming up. You might find something interesting you didn’t even know about.
I’m currently keeping my eye out for events at the space center, and for DJs I like that are coming to town.
Recently I went to the circus that’s in town right now with my girlfriends, and I’ve been to a couple DJ shows recently too.
Be intentional about planning things. Or they won’t happen.
Create new memories with people you love.
Intentionally create a rich life. Or it will just pass by.
Tip #7: Fake Tan
You know what contributes to seasonal depression? The winter uglies.
Slap a little self tanner on, and I DO NOT MEAN the tanning bed. I mean the kind you can apply at home that’s not gonna give you skin cancer.
My favourites are:
Vanity Saint tanning drops for the face (I use these a couples times a week to keep my face looking healthy and vibrant) you can find them on IG @vanitysaint
Luna Bronze for body! I use the darkest one (total eclipse).
As my girl Andrea at Vanity Saint would say, we gotta tan those glow stick legs girl. Trust me, you’ll feel more yourself with a fresh tan.
Tip #8: Find Community
Connect with people who have similar interests as you!
Join a class for something you enjoy like yoga, pilates, meditation, a sound bath, a book club, a cooking class, an ecstatic dance group, actual dance classes, or join a dungeons and dragons club for all I care.
Idk what you’re into girl but whatever it is, find other people who are into that too.
There is so much value in feeling a part of a community.
Tip #9: Book A Trip
Alright… when all else fails… BOOK A TRIP 
Or maybe nothing even has to fail. If you have the means to do so, DO IT.
Get out there. See more of the world.
Fly to another city to see your favourite artist. Fly to a historical site to see ancient ruins. Fly to Mexico to lay on a beach for a week. Fly to Iceland to see the northern lights. Fly to Japan to see Mt. Fuji covered in snow.
Idk what tickles your fancy, but whatever it is, make it happen if you can.
It’s time to finally see that vision board pic in real life.
There you have it, 9 tips to help you break out of seasonal depression this year.
And if you’re still depressed after all that then you probably should seek professional help. Kidding. But not really. Actually tho – if you are depressed, please see a professional. We’ve all been there. I’ve been there. Do what you need to do to get yourself back to a good space again. <3 I love you, and I want you to thrive.
*I am not a mental health professional and this is not professional advice*
Basically the theme of this entire article is making an effort to do things in the winter that ADD joy, pleasure, enrichment, love, and fulfillment to your life.
Time will pass by regardless of what we do with it.
Idk about you, but I want to live the richest life possible.
In every season.
Please share this if it was helpful for you.
Love ya!
xo Bailey
