18 Self-Care Tips to Get You Through Winter

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, becomes more common. Seasonal depression is a mood disorder that is triggered by the change of seasons. According to the Mental Health America website, SAD is most common in adults ranging from ages 20-40, but symptoms can appear sooner. Below is a continued list of a few things that can help spark some joy in the darkness and help combat the winter blues.

• Make a simple sweet treat like an apple crisp. Follow along with this recipe: For the filling You will need 1 apple of your choice cored and diced, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of all purpose flour, ⅛ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. For the topping you will need 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of old-fashioned oats, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/8th teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of salted butter, softened. In a small bowl mix the topping ingredients together. Blend in the butter with a fork or your fingers until your mixture is well combined. In a small single serve baking dish, combine the filling ingredients and then scatter the topping evenly over the apple chunks. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are brown and your topping is golden. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla on top, optional, of course. 
• Plan a game night with friends with some classic board games like Clue or Monopoly. 
• Eat something healthy. Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish contribute to fluidity in the brain and have been found to reduce depression score.  
• Spend some time with a pet.  
• Watch your comfort show or movie. Some cozy options are Kiki’s Delivery Service, Gilmore Girls and Over the Garden Wall. 
• Grab a warm drink at your local coffee shop and go bargain hunting at a thrift store. A local favorite in Glendora is called New Unto Others.   
• Decorate your space. Bring in some natural elements like some flowers or a houseplant and some seasonal décor to get you in the cozy spirit.  
• Listen to a comedy, true crime or cooking podcast. 
• Try a new craft like crocheting or watercolor.
• Try out yoga or meditation. 
• Indulge in pampering yourself with a new skin care routine or a relaxing bath.
• Declutter your space and reorganize to reset the vibes.