Five Ways to Overcome Winter Blues (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

It's been proven that different smells or scents can evoke a variety of moods. For example, a person who experiences sleep difficulty may light a lavender scented candle or use a plug-in air freshener with chamomile or another scent to soothe and lull themselves to sleep. Likewise, certain smells such as spiced apple, vanilla, and lemon grass greatly reduce anxiety and improve the symptoms of depression. To keep your spirits high, consider incorporating scented candles into your home's décor. Before spiraling into a mental funk, light the candles and watch your mood stabilize.

2. Self-Help Audio Tapes

There are plenty of self-help books and magazine articles purposed to improve one's mood. However, if you need constant mood enhancers, think about positive thinking auto tapes or compact discs to keep your mind free from negative thoughts. Although cold weather and shorter days contributes to winter blues, our mental thoughts can also play a role. Positive thinking materials are effective because they show how to reject negative thoughts, and ultimately improve your mood. Listen to self-helps tapes at home, work, or in the car.

3. Bring a Little Life and Light into Your Home

During a winter blues episode, many people keep their blinds closed, which block out the sun's rays. A good way to quickly improve your mood is to allow the sun to shine in the home. Open the curtains and blinds, or choose sheer window treatments that permit light. Additionally, you might consider brining a few live plants into the home. Plants add color and create a nice atmosphere. If your home's décor is dark or gloomy, enhance the space with specks of color. Bring in a new throw pillow, a rug, colorful home accents, or paint a wall.

4. Adopt a Fun Winter Routine

Depression and anxiety occurs less in the spring and summer because we spend more time outdoors. If cabin fever is contributing to periods of gloom, seek fun winter activities. Build an outdoor fire pit or improve your property with an outdoor Jacuzzi spa. On moderate winter days, you could invite a few friends over and spend time outside. Bundle up in warm clothes and enjoy a neighborhood bike ride, jog, or walk.

5. Get a Massage

A massage is a great way to quickly rid your mind of anxiety and depression. Massages release muscle tension and promote mental peace and relaxation. It is one of the best ways to beat the blues and improve your spirit. Since winter lasts three to four months, multiple sessions may be necessary to keep the mind stabilized.