Let's talk about something that doesn't get enough love – and no, I’m not talking about our favorite self-care rituals or the best Netflix shows to binge (although we could get into that, too). I’m talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Yup, that’s right. December is SAD Awareness Month, and with winter settling in, it’s the perfect time to share some comforting words and tips for making it through the cold months feeling as good as we can.
Did you know that around 5% of adults in the U.S. experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it tends to last about 40% of the year? That's millions of people feeling the impact of these shorter days, so if you're feeling this way, you are definitely not alone.
Women are four times more likely than men to be diagnosed with SAD, which means a lot of us are navigating this together. These symptoms can be tough, but recognizing them is the first step towards feeling better.
Here are some symptoms:
- Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
- Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain
- Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)
How to Give SAD the Boot (or at Least a Gentle Nudge Out the Door)
Here’s the good news: there are some tried-and-true ways we can brighten up our days, even when the sky outside isn’t cooperating. Think of these like little love notes to yourself:
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Let There Be Light: If the sun isn’t doing its job, create your own light! Light therapy boxes can help your body feel like it’s getting that sunlight it misses so much. Try sitting by a lightbox for about 20-30 minutes in the morning while you sip your tea.
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Move That Body: I know, working out is probably the last thing you want to do when it’s dark and chilly. But trust me on this one—even just a 10-minute dance party to your favorite feel-good jams can do wonders for your mood. Getting those endorphins pumping is like a little gift to yourself.
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Get Outside: Even though it’s cold, bundle up and get a bit of fresh air when you can. Natural light (even in smaller doses) and being out in nature can give you that bit of relief you need.
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Nourish Your Soul: This can look different for everyone, whether it’s cozying up with your favorite book, at-home spa day, journaling, meditating, or catching up with a friend over a warm cup of tea. Give yourself permission to slow down and do what makes your soul feel warm.
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Lean on Your Tribe: You don’t have to do this alone—reach out to friends and talk about what you’re feeling. Sometimes just having someone listen is the best comfort. We’re all in this together, babe.
Speaking of comfort, our Comfort Wellness Box is here to bring you warmth this season. It's filled with essentials like soothing foot soaks and nourishing balms to help you feel cared for when you need it most.
Let’s get through this season together, it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling, but also know that there are small things you can do to make these months a little more manageable. Get some comfort