Bottle Up the Sunshine: Preserving Summer Wellness Year-Round
As summer draws to a close, many of us long to hold onto the joy, warmth, and carefree spirit to carry with us throughout the year. While we can’t bottle up the sunshine, balmy evenings, or late sunsets, we can harness the essence of summer joy and use it to help us ward off something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a form of major depressive disorder characterized by recurring depressive episodes during specific times of the year. For most individuals who experience this condition, the most challenging season is, perhaps unsurprisingly, winter.
Think about what you loved most this summer. What made you happiest? Write these things down – you’ll use this list soon. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Enjoying the sunshine
Outdoor get-togethers with loved ones
Relaxing by the beach or pool
Extra time for hobbies
Seeing concerts
Family trips
Now, let’s turn this list into tools for our “happiness toolbox.” Think of it as a personal shield against the sadness that might come with colder weather, gray skies, and shorter days. For our list above, here are your tools to pack away and pull out when you need them:
Get outside. Continuing to spend time outdoors, even as the weather gets colder and our lives get busier, is crucial for maintaining a positive mood. Studies consistently show that time spent in nature (which doesn’t require bright sunshine!) can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even enhance cognitive functioning. Even better, as little as 5 minutes spent outside can help regulate your nervous system and reduce stress. So, take walks, sit on your porch, or play in the leaves or snow whenever you can.
Make time for friends and family. Much of our summer happiness stems from togetherness. Maintain this connection throughout the colder months. Plan activities such as Sunday dinners, pumpkin picking, watching a play, or enjoying a carefree afternoon of football. Start scheduling these events now, giving yourself something to look forward to in order to brighten the coming days.
Relax. There’s something about being near water that seems to give us permission to simply be. Whether you’re lounging with a good book, watching children play, listening to music, or sneaking in a quick nap, you might be enjoying plenty of downtime by the water this summer. Our minds and bodies continue to need that rest and relaxation throughout the year. Find opportunities for relaxation in every season, whether you’re lying in a hammock watching leaves fall, cozying up by the fire with a good book, or spending a rainy afternoon watching a movie.
Schedule time for your favorite activities. As we are nearing the end of our “lazy days” of summer, you may notice your calendar filling up more quickly. Prioritize the hobbies that bring you joy, and be sure to actually schedule them to prevent your self-care from falling by the wayside. Block off a day every couple of weeks to spend doing whatever makes you happy.
Schedule a vacation. You might not feel you need it now, but scheduling a vacation could be the perfect pick-me-up a few months from now. Planning a getaway during the colder, shorter days gives you something to look forward to, helping you stay more optimistic and energized. If you’re particularly dreading the colder weather, consider planning a trip to somewhere warm!
Be sure to add whatever other “tools” you feel are necessary for your happiness toolkit. You might need to get a little creative, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to maintaining our joy throughout the year. While your tan might soon fade, your smile doesn’t have to.