By Sunnie
The winter is the final boss Michiganders and other cold weather states have to face at the end of each seasonal cycle before the fresh start we get with the new year. With the cold comes some of the most difficult and joyous times. With Halloween, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Thanksgiving, an array of New Year celebrations, Hanukkah, and many more in between. With all of the hustle and bustle, it is easy for our friends and family to slip under the waters of seasonal mood shifts that impact our interpersonal relationships.
While working to support our loved ones we also must maintain a level of care for ourselves! To avoid the burnout that looms around corners ready to rob us of our joy and ability to show up in a way that we are proud of, we must beat the beast. In my lifetime I have battled seasonal depression for more winters than I can remember, but the winter of 2021 I was ready to face the challenge of overcoming my depression I grew accustomed to.
My first step was developing exercise habits that fit my lifestyle. After my stint with bike riding left me with the worst sprained ankle of my life I turned to yoga. The subsequent mindfulness practices that I developed revolutionized the way I viewed my thoughts, feelings, and general mood.
Now, I feel that it is important to add that no amount of productivity, yoga, mindfulness, money, or love will curb the dread that comes with being alive. I believe that the most important part of this process for me was coming to peace with that fact and setting realistic goals for myself that focused solely on improvement and not entertaining ideas of complete healing. The radical acceptance of this fact through movement and self-reflection allowed me more joy than I ever allowed myself before.
During this time when the cold air is biting and harsh, it is natural for humans to go inward and meet parts of themselves. During the warmer weather, we do not have the time, space, or drive to explore our internal worlds as we rush to complete tasks before the winter inevitably slows our world once again. This ties in with the fact that it is difficult for many people to sit with the thoughts that are begging them to listen. I understand why we struggle to embrace the melancholy that winter brings.
If it is not possible to sit with all that chases you I understand you too. The next best tool for healing the winter blues is relationship; spend time investing in your relationships that feed your soul. Create romance in your relationships that wouldn’t typically be thought of as bonds that involve romance. Intimacy provides a safe space to explore parts of yourself that you would not have access to otherwise. It makes looking your pains in the eye much easier, healing your wounds less terrifying, and facing the cold much warmer.
Lastly, I must recommend more options to assist in alleviating seasonal depression that will be based on creating healthy habits. Getting your blood tested is a must before going into the winter season! Having a conscious understanding of the vitamins you are deficient in and taking the supplements you need to keep your levels healthy has a large impact on mental health. Having low levels of iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D can cause depression, these nutrients can easily fall short of healthy levels during the winter season. Journaling and therapy can also be amazing tools to promote emotional and mental wellness. There are many techniques in both therapy and journaling to explore in order to personalize your practice and receive the most out of the investment you make in yourself. I wish you so much peace, introspection, and joy this holiday season!
Sunnie is a digital nomad currently traveling through Europe collecting cultural perspective and experience. With a background in African American and African Studies coupled with environmental science and sustainability studies, she is passionate about the arts, mental health, social justice and the world that contains it. You can contact her at thenewcitizenspress@gmail.com
