In a time of year when we consistently hear the same sayings, such as, “New Year, New Me” or “In my ____ era,” we can feel encouraged to join in on this growth mindset, or we can grow discouraged when we don’t feel up to par. Although this is a time of year when we feel inspired for our new goals, it is okay if you are not quite there yet. It may be the new year, but the old winter blues may still be lingering, which is okay.

The “winter blues” can be much more than wanting to snuggle on the couch and watch movies all day; they are closely connected to Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — seasonal affective disorder (SAD) begins and ends at about the exact times every year (Steps to Keep Your Mood and Motivation Steady Throughout the Year-Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - Symptoms & Causes, 2021).  Although this form of depression is only related to the colder months, people can be affected as early as September to as late as February, depending on what form of climate an individual lives in. The lack of sunlight, vitamin D, cold weather, and all the winter uglies can drastically affect your mood, motivation, and environment.

What to do if you find yourself in this gloom:

• Grace. Give yourself the validation you need to accept yourself and where you are. Speak kindly to yourself and love yourself extra.
• Enjoy some time outside. Depending on where you live can affect how much time you can spend outside, but whether you have multiple inches of snow or still have green grass, it is essential to spend as much time in the daylight as you can. Wake up a little earlier, go for a walk, put a new book on your favorite podcast, or call a bestie. Scientific research consistently shows that exposure to the sun and nature can positively affect mood, mental health, and overall well-being (Bratman et al., 2015).
• Find your pockets of daily joy. What makes your day? Is it making a warm and cozy tea, working on a puzzle with your friend or s/o, or is it making a delicious soup? Light your favorite candle, snuggle up to your comfort movie, and enjoy these pockets of rest when you can. Show up for you through this time, and learn how to love yourself more.
• Stay consistent and be intentional. Stay connected to your daily practices and human connection. Keep up with your morning routines, continue to get your daily walks in, spend time with your loved ones, journal your thoughts, spend time in the Word, and be honest with where you are at.
  

Allow yourself to be your safe space and be okay with where you are at, this allows you to show up for the new year and for you.

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References

Bratman et al. (2015) - "Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation"

Steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year-Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Symptoms & causes. (2021, December 14th). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 6, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651