I cannot believe that Daylight Savings Time is THIS weekend. HOW?! All I know is that I am not excited about the time change, because that means less sun, less Vitamin D, and seasonal depression. Though my depression has been a lot better in the last year or so, I still have my days, and the time change mixed with freezing temperatures and gloomy days do not help.
For those of us that get struck with seasonal depression every year due to the time change and gloomy weather, I wanted to put together a list of ways to practice self-care so that we can live our best lives--despite feeling sad and depressed.
One // Make or grab your favorite comfort meal
I live for comfort food, and there's something about having your favorite meal that makes life feel a little better. Whether you love to cook or if you're like me and love to grab something from Wegmans, do whatever makes you happy, and grab some yummies.
Two // Go outside or take a walk on your lunch break to see the sun
Make it a point to get outside or see the sun from a window at least! I find that on days where I don't see the sun are the hardest. There are some days where I drive to work in the dark and drive home in the dark and let me tell you, it sucks. Sometimes I'll go stand by the window or walk to the bakery in my shopping center. It's the littlest things that make a difference.
Three // Grab a new cozy blanket
Hi, my name is Kristen, and I'm a blanket addict. I legit have a problem, but you know what, if having too many blankets is wrong, I don't want to be right. I love a new blanket, and now that we have a bigger house, I have more rooms and places to put them. haha! If you don't have a weighted blanket, I highly recommend getting one. I use one every night to sleep, and I have my new cozy blanket in bed, too!
Four // Allow yourself to sleep in on your day off
I'm a pro at sleeping in, and it's because, for me, it's a way to recharge and feel like myself again. Honestly, I get it, sometimes we just want to stay in bed all day, but don't let yourself do that. But just an extra hour or two can do wonders!
Five // Make yourself coffee or tea at home before your commute
There's nothing worse than sitting in rush hour traffic. To make it a little better, make yourself a cup of coffee or tea to take with you. In those moments when I'm stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, I happily sip on my coffee, listen to music, and prepare for the day ahead of me.
Six // Take a bubble bath
Baths aren't everyone's thing, but our new house had to have a bathtub because they are a little luxury for me. If baths aren't your thing, give yourself an extra five minutes in the shower and let the hot water relax your muscles and your mind.
Seven // Make a playlist of your favorite songs
I live for playlists and music. They seriously have a way of elevating your mood, so make sure you put together your favorite songs and listen to them in the car on the way to work and on your way home!
Eight // Watch a holiday movie to get in the spirit
Is it socially acceptable to watch Christmas movies yet?! I mean, it's technically after Halloween, and Christmas can start November 1st. No matter how you feel about when Christmas should or shouldn't start, watch your favorite holiday movie and get in the holiday spirit!
Nine // Decorate your home with loved ones
That's right, put on a holiday movie again, grab some hot cocoa, and start to decorate your house for the holidays. Whether you love to decorate for Thanksgiving and then Christmas or you have Christmas up for two months, do what you love, and decorate with those you love. There's something joyful about decorating your space for the holidays. No matter if you have a home, an apartment, or live in a bedroom like we did last year, you can always decorate for the holidays!
Ten // Make it a point to spend extra time with family
I will always say this...spend as much time as you can with family. A family doesn't have to be your actual family--it can be your best friends, your church family, your neighbors...just spend time with those around you that love you. Your heart will be happier, and you'll feel better, too.
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Eleven // Buy a new nail polish & paint your nails
#Basic, I know, but sometimes, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. Grab yourself a new nail polish, paint your nails, and feel your most beautiful self.
Twelve // Take a personal day
If you job allots you personal days, take one. I have about a week of personal time to use each year, and I think I've taken a half personal day. It's time we all realize (myself included) that sometimes, our bodies and our minds need a personal day. Use that day to recharge and come back to work stronger and better than ever.
Thirteen // Clean your home
Cleaning is a huge stress reliever. It's a great way to reduce clutter both in your home and in your mind. When your home is all clean, it helps your brain stay calm, because there isn't chaos surrounding you.
Fourteen // Talk to someone you love about your feelings
A coffee date with your bestie is always a great idea. I chat with one of my girlfriends all the time about life, how I'm feeling mentally, and what I'm working towards. Find yourself a friend that you can share anything with, and someone that cares and uplifts you during each phase of your life--both good and bad.
Fifteen // Call someone on the way home from work
I call my Mom, husband, or my sister on my way home from work. It's a great way to decompress from your day, vent about the stresses from the day, and catch up with your friends and family. I love it when I'm able to do a three-way call with my Mom and sister. We don't see each other very often, so these phone calls are very meaningful to us.
Sixteen // Do something creative
My blog is my creative outlet, but I also love to bake and decorate my home. Whatever you find to be your creative outlet, do it, and do it often.
Seventeen // Dream up your goals for the next month, year, and five years
I'm a dreamer and a planner, so I love to dream up big dreams and plan for how they will happen. Life doesn't always go to plan, but I'm a firm believer that God will help you reach your goals as long as you are willing to put in the work.
As I sit here typing out this post, I kind of flashed back to where I was even just two years ago. I was living in a crappy, overpriced apartment, ten of thousands of dollars in debt, depressed, and jobless. A year and a half ago, I decided to change my life, Chris and I made a plan, and we dreamed up dreams bigger than ourselves. Today, we have a new home we built, we are consumer debt-free, have the tiniest bit left to pay on our student loans, are putting away money towards retirement, both have jobs we love, and are both in such a better place mentally. Go ahead, dream those dreams, and dream big. You never know where life will take you.
Eighteen // Put your phone away at dinner
These are the nights where I'm the happiest. When phones are put away at dinner and Chris and I spend actual quality time together talking about our day, our dreams, our goals, what we want to decorate next, etc. it connects us on a deeper level. Social media is great and all, but you have to be present in your own life.
Nineteen // Update your skincare routine
Your body and skin are only as healthy as what you give it. Eat your veggies and use great skincare. I'm always complimented on my skin, because I put so much attention into my skincare, and let me tell you, those compliments make you feel good. Update your skincare routine or play around with new beauty products. Go ahead girl, get complimented.
Twenty // Donate your time or money to charity
If there's a charity you love and support, go and help out! If the holidays are a crazy time for you like it is for me, (hello retail) donate a little extra to your favorite charity. Doing good feels good, and you can make a difference in someone's life. Donate a toy to a child in need, buy a boxed meal for a family in need, create a necessities package for a homeless shelter, the possibilities are endless. Find a charity you're passionate about, and know you are helping make a difference in someone's life.
What are some of your favorite ways to practice self-care?!
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