No More Winter Blues: Springing Into A New Mindset
Moving into spring may be difficult for those who suffer from Seasonal Depression so this blog will help those to change their mindset from the depressing and anxious thoughts to the fulfilling and welcoming mindset. Moving into Spring is a good indicator for some that their seasonal depression may be lifted soon.
Spring Is On Its Way!
Spring isn’t just a season, it’s a way of life. It’s removing the old and tired for a new and prosperous life. When we think of spring, a feeling of excitement comes over the collective because it’s a sign of brighter days, enchanting sunlight, and the world waking up around us. It can also be used as a healthy indicator that your seasonal depressive episode may be coming to a close sooner than you think. Shifts in the seasons can allow you to look at the environment you’re in and appreciate the differences and changes you see.
Seasonal Depression = Survival Mode
Everyone can physically see the benefits of moving from winter to spring, but why does it feel like it’s such a huge shift? Whether it be through enhanced daylight, greater opportunities for outdoor activities, or the hope of seeing the grass turn green and the flowers bloom, there is no denying that the arrival of spring comes with huge advantages for your mental health. When you find yourself facing an episode of seasonal depression, anxiety attacks, or recurring intrusive thoughts, your body responds by entering into its “survival mode”. This means that your body was doing everything in its power to make sure that you survived the winter. For example, if you found yourself staying in more often due to the lack of daytime hours, that could’ve been your body alerting you to potential danger in the unknown of darkness and subliminally asking you to stay inside. After so much stress on your body and mind, it may be challenging to take a step back and realize that the world around you is also resurfacing from its own survival mode.
What Spring Can Do For Your Mental Health?
If you suffer from seasonal depression or general anxiety, the changing of the seasons can help you find a healthy reminder to allow your body to rest and focus on making small, habitual changes to help get you out of your slump. Because spring allows for so many new opportunities for growth both physically and mentally, there is a greater chance to begin practicing more grounding techniques to bring you back to feeling like yourself again. Sometimes change can be scary and feel like a demand rather than a choice, but when you open your mind to the new prospects, you may find yourself wanting to leave behind your old “survival habits” and jump straight into what makes you feel whole and happy. Just like spring, these changes won’t happen overnight; it will take some work and commitment to ensure that you are ready for a healthier lifestyle. But when you find yourself wanting to move forward into a more positive mindset, here are 5 small changes you can make to help make the transition from winter to spring that much easier:
Going for 15-20 minute walks throughout the day (vitamin D, nature sounds)
Drinking more water to battle dehydration from longer days
Cleaning your immediate environment to freshen things up (spring cleaning!)
Reaching out to your support system for some fun in the sun
Setting time in the morning or afternoon for simple stretches or exercise
Here To Help You Spring Forward
At Rebecca Newton Therapy, we want to provide you with a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your experience of “surviving” the winter while providing you the tools you need to move into a brighter and more positive mindset. We know how difficult it can feel to see change around you but not feel up to changing yourself so we want to be here for you every step of the way. By reaching out to a therapist, you are allowing yourself to be vulnerable about your experiences and let go of the old “survival mode” habits that benefitted you through the winter.