5 Hacks for Tackling Seasonal Depression
I knew it was time to revisit this list when my daily playlists started to sound less like the climax of a blockbuster rom-com and more like the background noise to everything I added to my 2014 Tumblr page.
Don’t get me wrong, I love The 1975, but if you catch me listening to them exclusively for more than 72 hours while the sun hasn’t appeared for twice as long, know that I’m in my seasonal depression era.
And look, even though The___Method uniform might consist of wearing all black, I’d love it if our Method members could keep our moods a little brother this winter. Here’s what I’m trying:
1. Try Hot and Cold Therapy (so your attitude isn’t)
@gigiferrante Recovery day at @Haven Wellness ✨ Have a recovery day of your own for 10% off when you book a service at Haven using the link in my bio! I’m in week nine of marathon training so the second I felt like I was nearing shin splints, I realized it was time to take my recovery more seriously. After an hour of infrared sauna + cold plunge contrast therapy this weekend, my runs (and shins) have been feeling so much better already. Next on my to-do list, trying the red light + compression therapy post-long run 👟 #coldplunge #coldplungesauna #infraredsaunakc #runtok #distancerunner #recoveryday #kansascitywellness ♬ august full song - 🤷♂️
I’m not going to sit here and act like I don’t complain every time I book some time in the cold plunge (the whole 5 times I’ve done it..), but I will relay all of the benefits that make me try it again and again.
Like how that shock to your system you get with cold exposure also can create an adrenaline rush and release dopamine. Dopamine = good. And if you don’t have access to a cold plunge, start small and at home with a cold shower. 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 4 minutes -. It doesn’t matter how long, as long as you start.
On the flip side of cold exposure, we have hot. And hot girls hit the sauna. Why? Another dopamine rush, just like our good ole friend the cold plunge. You might also notice however that an infrared sauna can improve blood flow to your muscles (hello recovery from that Method pop-up you just attended, but the heat can also help to release stress from the body.
No access to a sauna? You can always get the HigherDOSE sauna blanket if you've got it like that (lmk if you need my address to send one to). If you live in Kansas City, I’m a big fan of the new setup at Haven Wellness. You can book a private room with their new cold plunge and infrared sauna and switch between them. Use my link here for 10% off.
2. Movement is medicine (no really)
Consistent exercise is that b*tch when it comes to relieving stress and anxiety (two emotions seasonal depression loves to see). It’s also one of the hardest things to convince yourself to do when you’re just not in the mood.
I recommend finding a workout or movement you can look forward to and trying to implement it 2-3 times a week into your routine.
I’m not saying you need to get out there and do a 50-minute HIIT class every day or sign up for a marathon, but small bits of movement like 8-minute arms or even a 40-minute full body sculpt that you can do without joining a gym or leaving your house are a good start.
Get access right now to more than 30+ boutique studio-level classes at your fingertips FREE for 7 days when you sign up for The___Method virtual fitness studio here.
3. Direct sunlight first thing in the am
Not me preaching this when I live in the middle of the U.S. and go weeks in the winter with no sun. Can I click my heels 3 times and wake up in L.A.?
But seriously, if there’s anything I’ve taken away from years of listening to the Huberman Lab and Skinny Confidential Podcasts, it’s that seasonal depression hates to see sunlight exposure first thing in the morning coming.
Why? Treating your body to direct sunlight first thing in the morning can help regulate your circadian rhythm and set your body’s internal clock. It also can trigger your brain to release serotonin, which boosts your mood and vibes.
If you can, avoid your phone when you wake up and head outside to stand in the sun (please, don’t stare directly at it), or if you live in a climate that mimics the shades of a Tim Burton movie, try using a HappyLight for light therapy exposure you can experience indoors while sipping your morning matcha.
4. Supplements, Diet & Routine
Since we’re all friends, I think it’s safe to share that I don’t even need a change of seasons to be depressed. It’s something that I’m pretty much managing year-round and with that, I’ve looked to things like my diet and supplements to fill in the gaps and avoid turning into Bella Swan’s October - January chair swivel of New Moon.
I also like to share that these are things I’ve tried or that work for me, so I suggest consulting with your doctor or an expert in the field before implementing into your own.
Big bone broth girl. Headache? Bone Broth. Nauseous? Bone Broth. Need to add protein to your diet? Bone Broth. I almost daily am sipping on bone broth or eating grass-fed products or daily omega-3s
Vitamin D - need I elaborate again on this one?
B12 is known for helping your brain and nervous system to function normally. It’s also a big component of converting food to energy.
Fish oil is not only beneficial to muscle recovery, but it’s rich in Omega-3s which according to the good people of Harvard, are showing strong evidence to support mood disorders.
Sleep is key to an overall positive mood. I keep Magnesium spray in my bedside table to spray on my feet and chest at night in hopes of getting quality sleep (aka, my eyes don’t open again until my alarm is going off).
5. Find community within your interests
There’s less time to fall into your third Normal People rewatch of the season if you plan your calendar ahead. If you’re in KC, check out one of the monthly The___Method pops-ups. I cannot tell you how many people I’ve met that come solo because they saw the event on TikTok and they leave with a whole new group shot of friends.
Schedule a FaceTime with long-distance friends, grab an AMC A-List pass to get out of the house and see unlimited movies, or even put a weekly game night on the schedule. And if you need someone to go to the movies with.. I’m game xx
Most importantly, know that it’s okay to have an off day and have grace with yourself. Spring will be here before you know it loves.
Hope to see y’all soon!
Gigi