Escaping the Seasonal Slump
Boston may not be sunny, but that doesn’t mean you have to be gloomy. Here are ways to brighten your days during the dreary winter months.
By Zainab Zaman
With sunlight being a rare commodity in Boston these days, most people (myself included) have probably dreamt of being whisked away to a tropical location. However, just because Boston’s weather has been in a funk doesn’t mean you have to be, too. There are ways to help escape this seasonal slump without hopping on a plane to the Bahamas.
The somber winter mood you’re experiencing is a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The Northeastern states, such as Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, have the highest rates of SAD due to their low levels of sunlight during the winter months. Some identifiers of SAD are increased sleep and daytime drowsiness, loss of interest, and social withdrawal.
Try opening your windows and letting the natural light in, even if there is no sun, to help lift your mood. A sunlight lamp is also a great investment if you like staying up late, as it mimics natural light and helps trick your brain into thinking you’re basking in the sun.
Take a walk along the Charles River Esplanade and soak in the movement of people running or flocks of floating ducks and boats. Some light exercise, along with the fresh breeze, can help stimulate your brain and fight off daytime drowsiness.
Surround yourself with friends and family, even if you may not feel like doing so. We tend to isolate ourselves from others as a defense mechanism, but spending time with friends and family can help you feel like yourself again. Take up a cooking class at Eataly together, stroll around Boston Common, or grab a bite to eat and ice skate at Time Out Market. These small activities can help bring you out of a somber state, and you may even discover a new favorite pastime.
While these tips can be helpful, there are some days when we can’t help but rot in bed and feel stagnant. Breaking this routine and changing your environment can clear your head and give you a new perspective. Take a short trip to a new neighborhood in Boston – visit the Garment District in Kendall Square to spice up your wardrobe, the Franklin Park Zoo in Roxbury to see exotic animals, or that restaurant in the North End you’ve had saved for ages. These mini-travels can help you stop the cycle and escape seasonal depression.
If these symptoms persist past the allotted winter months, consider making an appointment with your healthcare provider. However, as the weather begins to warm up and spring starts to bloom, seasonal depression rounds a new corner. It’s important to find the little joys in each day and encourage routine breaking if you find yourself traveling further into a rut.