Before I began working from home, I used to work for a real estate agency. My desk was near a tall picture window that allowed me to see the sun shining, birds flying, and squirrels chasing each other everywhere. As the season changed, I noticed I would feel unprovoked melancholy once September arrived. The drive to the office seemed longer, the day the same, and co-workers I enjoyed irked me for no reason, and suddenly, I had no interest in anything work-related.

One day, my co-worker asked if I was okay. I told her without thinking that I was mourning the loss of summer. She replied, "Oh, I see, you have seasonal depression."

As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, many people experience a shift in mood known as the "wintertime blues." This phenomenon, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can significantly impact an individual's emotional well-being during the colder months.

I don't declare the 'wintertime blues,' and I try to fight it as much as possible. I had low energy, a sense of sadness, and a general lack of motivation throughout the day. I longed for warmer, sunnier days and struggled to find joy in everyday activities, especially work. However, I later realized that, with work, it was my desk at the window. It displayed gray skies and dirty snow as winter proceeded; it was too much for me to look at Monday through Friday. Once I switched my desk, it was better.

The combination of limited daylight, murky sunless skies, and cold weather took a toll on my mental health, which caused a feeling of despair, a sense of isolation, and a desire to hibernate until the arrival of spring.

I later learned that one of the primary factors contributing to the wintertime blues is the reduction in sunlight exposure. Limited exposure to natural light can disrupt the body's internal clock and lead to a drop in serotonin levels, affecting mood and appetite. Additionally, the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, may also be affected, leading to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

Obtainable Suggestions
Several strategies can help alleviate the symptoms of the wintertime blues.

1. Make an effort to spend time outdoors during daylight hours to increase exposure to natural light.
2. Engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy diet. These two actions can positively impact your mood and energy levels.
3. Change some of the lightbulbs in your home to ones that mimic sunlight for some inexpensive light therapy. This action is an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder.

These suggestion therapies can help regulate the body's internal clock and alleviate symptoms of depression and fatigue. If your situation is more severe, I suggest you see a healthcare professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist (if you need medication), or counselor.

Folks experiencing the wintertime blues should prioritize self-care and seek support from friends or family if they don't have the budget for a mental health professional. Connecting with others, staying active, and practicing relaxation techniques can all help improve mood and overall well-being during winter.

While for me, this feeling of sadness was temporary. I wasn't down every day, but I could sense the begrudging thought of gloominess more often than I wanted. I found that hibernating away from windows and outside helped the most.

Wintertime blues can be challenging, but it's important to remember that, in most cases, it is a temporary, often seasonal, and treatable condition. Taking proactive steps to care for your physical and mental health will help you navigate the winter months with a sense of resilience and positivity.