During the cold and gloomy Canadian winters, some people may experience seasonal depression. According to a 2020 report from the Canadian Psychological Association, approximately 15 per cent of Canadians will report experiencing this winter phenomenon at least once in their lifetime. Here are some of my tips for coping with the seasonal blues. 

1. Be social: Talk to your friends and family. Let them know how you’re doing so they can better support you and get you out of the house. Reminder: They want to help you. You’re never a burden.
2. Go outside/stay active: Get out of the house. Try to go for a walk every day. This will help your mood by breathing fresh air and enjoying a change of scenery. In Halifax, plenty of parks and walking trails are accessible to you. Making sure you move your body every day will help increase your energy levels. 
3. Dance it out: This one I took from Grey’s Anatomy. When Meredith and Christina are in a slump, they turn on their favourite music and dance it out. Dance away those negative emotions.
4. Treat yourself: Self-care is super important. Whether it’s having a spa night at home or going to get yourself a sweet treat, you deserve it. 
5. Do something you love: Do things that make you happy. Go to the movies, start that book you’ve been wanting to read, or have a board game night with your friends. Whatever makes you happy, take 30 minutes out of your day to prioritize it.
6. Stick to a schedule: Keeping to a daily schedule of things you want to accomplish will help you stay motivated. Break everything down into small tasks to manage stress and set your daily priorities.
7. Talk to a professional: Sometimes, seasonal depression can feel like it’s taking over your life no matter what you do. Talking to a professional can help you in the long term, and help you figure out how best to cope with it. Reminder: Don’t keep your feelings in, let them out. Dalhousie’s health clinic does same-day counselling appointments Monday through Saturday. Check out the services King’s and Dalhousie offer that best support you.