Early fall every year I get the end of summer blues. Just as soon as I start seeing the leaves turning colors and the temperatures start dropping at night my mood changes.
Then before you know it, it is dark when you get up in the morning and dark when you get off work in the evening.
When I start seeing less sunlight, in the Midwest, I get a little blue.
I know I am not the only one. Many people suffer from the lack of sunlight blues. According to the American Psychiatry Association 5 % of U.S. adults suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a form of depression from changing of the season or also known as winter depression. I am of this 5%. The shorter days and lack of sunlight triggers mine. That is why I know I would never make it living in Seattle.
Over the years, I have found ways to deal with this. I am not saying I do not still get blue at the end of summer. I am saying I can deal with it a little better by doing these 7 things:
Sunshine is the golden rule cure for the end of summer blues.
You must get outside and get in the sunshine as much as possible, even if its only for 10 minutes do it! Because the chances of sunshine are going to get fewer. Sit back, relax, and research how to care for your new plant.
Fall outdoor activities–
Get outside and enjoy the fall harvest. Take the dogs for walks more frequently now that the temperatures are dropping. Just stop and enjoy the changes of the season.
Get outside even if its cold.
I have a hard time with this one. I do not like the cold. But I will get out if the sun comes out on a winter day. I make myself go outside and enjoy the sunshine even on cold days.
Make plans for your plants.
I make a big to-do about bringing my plants inside too. I plan where I am going to place all of them and which ones I will hang and which room I will put them in throughout the house. Bringing in the plants is fun because now I can enjoy their beauty inside all winter long.
I also make notes of my growing season and plan for the next one.
Let in the light–
I probably pay a little higher electric bill than most during the winter, but I am saving money on doctor’s bills, counseling, and prescription drugs. I open the curtains and blinds on days the sun is shining. The rest of the time I use lamps and overhead lights. I leave them on a lot during the winter to help with the gray days that make me depressed.
Change your décor colors–
Another trick I use to keep my depression at bay, during winter months, is to change my décor in my home to sunny yellows in my bedroom and bathroom. My living room is warm neutrals like browns and tans. I lived in an apartment before and every room was painted gray. It become very depressing during the winter months. My main linen and décor for my winter bedroom and bathroom is sunny yellow and it helps tremendously to keep my mood more positive.
Add winter plants to your collection.
Be sure to check out the variety of plants that bloom and/or produce gorgeous foliage during the winter months.
Here is a list of winter plants: Cyclamen, Snowdrops, Winter Jasmine, Winter Aconite, English Primrose, Camellia, and many more. Also, the traditional holiday ones like Poinsettia and Christmas Cactus.
I would love to hear your ideas for how you cope with the end of summer blues.
Until next time!
