Tis The Season(al) Depression!

Nothing screams crashing out more than the two weeks in between Thanksgiving break and the end of term. We've been given a taste of relaxation, of sleep, of nutrition...only to have it instantly snatched out of our hands and replaced with exams, essays, and presentations.

The days are short, the motivation has worn off, and our skin is withering. If you feel the onset of seasonal depression, don't worry, you're not alone. Here are some strategies I am leaning into to better cope.

1.  FOLLOW THE SUN. Last night I went to bed at 7:30pm. The sun went to sleep and so I popped two melatonin gummies and followed suit! Glad I did because I was up and at 'em this morning. The sunlight is crucial to fulfillment right now, folks. Don't fight the light---follow it.

2. Make your room as welcoming and comfortable as possible. Become a squirrel and load up on acorns of things to do inside your little nest. For me this meant buying twinkle lights, a nice candle, and rearranging the furniture in my space to shake things up a bit.

   1. Additionally, I created a list of fun things to do around the house. Some of the items are as follows; create a string garland out of oranges, paint my hairbrushes, stamp my books with my name inside all of them, wrap Christmas presents, try a zucchini brownie recipe, buy fridge magnets to make poems, put succulents in my old jars, write a song, update my Trash journal

3. Begin a new hobby!!!! This one is extra special to me given that this is the anniversary of my blog! Last year this page became my outlet for dealing with the winter time! A sappy post about that alone is coming soon....This year I have tried to play guitar a lot more. When I feel slumpy, I will learn a new song. Today I learned End of Beginning-- it was my #1 on Spotify Wrapped so I found it fitting.

4. Company! Start a show with your roommates (my mom and also my next door neighbors are watching LOST which I would totally recommend if you haven't seen it), or start making dinners together every night. Spending time with others is so important. The winter can feel lonely and sad and being with people who make you smile and laugh is important! Seek those people out. and make time for them even if it takes energy just to ask. You'll be glad you did.

5. Download Goodreads and Letterboxd. Make reading books and watching movies your intentional hobby. These apps are so fun and help you stay connected to your friends while doing independent stuff at home. These apps helped to fuel my passion for movies and literature. If you download them, text me your usernames!

That's all I got for now. Try to be as present as possible and embrace the cold! Like all things, it is temporary. Spring is just around the corner!

P.S. heard that it's supposed to snow tonight!!!!!!!!