It’s that time of year again– Seasonal Depression. Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but believe it or not during the “most wonderful time of year” almost 11 million Americans suffer from seasonal depression. I know it is especially hard to think you deserve care when in a state of depression, but it is still necessary. While self-care is not a concrete way to prevent or get rid of depression, it definitely helps. These are a couple of ways to take care of yourself during these winter months. 

Clean and Organize

Clear space, clear mind.

Cleaning can be a good way to unwind because having a clear environment gives you a clearer mindset. “I usually clean to calm down and get my mind off of something. It makes me feel like I’m in control, if that makes sense”- Vivian Nyugen 

 It’s actually a scientific fact. In a study led by Princeton Neuroscience Institute, it was discovered that the more clutter that you can see, the easier it is for you to become distracted. 

It is very hard to do simple tasks, let alone clean, while in a state of depression. Take your time, and if you feel up to it, clean your room. 

Put on some music 

Listening to music for some reason always has always given me some sort of boost in serotonin, even if it doesn’t last long.

Listening to music is a way for one to release any sort of emotion that you could be bottling up inside. Here are a couple of recommendations for the many emotions you may need to release in order to carry on with your self-care. 

Songs for when you’re angry: “Don’t Hurt Yourself” by Beyonce, “Therefore I am” by Billie Eilish, “OHFR?” by Rico Nasty, “SISTER/NATION” by BROCKHAMPTON

Songs to cry to: “listen before i go” by Billie Eilish, “Nude” by Radiohead, “Yellow” by Coldplay, “Pluto Projector” by Rex Orange County (skip to 2:50), “Ribs” by Lorde

Songs for when you feel happy: “Golden” by Harry Styles (You could honestly just listen to the entirety of his album, Fine Line– most of them have a pretty happy undertone), “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove, “Hurricane” by Bridget Mendler, “When Will I See You Again” by Shakka 

If you are feeling anxious: “Weightless” by Marconi Union

Take a hot bath or shower

“I really like taking bath… the water makes me feel safe” – Vivian Nyguen 

A hard thing to do while you are depressed is bathing or showering. It is because you don’t care enough about yourself to do so, and that is completely normal. Although it is hard, you do deserve a shower or a bath. It doesn’t have to be long, just do it. It doesn’t have to be fancy.

 If you wanna make it fancy you can light a candle, add some bubbles and even get a bath bomb. 

Cook or bake for and by yourself

I feel like I have to say these things before talking about cooking. Coffee is not a sufficient meal. Please eat something. You deserve to eat. 

My family is full of chefs so for the majority of my life I’ve had people cook for me. When I finally started to cook for myself, there was something so serene about it. Cooking for yourself can be a time for you to be alone with your thoughts. I’ve found that the longer it takes to cook the more calm I feel. 

“My favorite thing to cook is pasta, but I really like to bake cupcakes, brownies, and cookies… it makes me calm” – Vivian Nyguen.

Find something good to watch

The satisfaction of finding a good show to watch will forever be satisfying. 

After you’ve eaten and you’re clean there is nothing like getting into bed or sitting on a couch and watch a good show or movie. You can even have a warm drink by your side as you relax and watch a good show.  

When asked about what shows she watches on a self-care night Taylor Bornds replied with “… Christley Knows Best, or any anime because I just forget about everything else that’s going on and get so invested into the show… I become stress free.” 

If you need recommendations here are a few from me, the author :

Netflix: Hunter X Hunter, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, The Queen’s Gambit, Criminal Minds

Hulu: Attack on Titan, Black Butler, The Act, Chopped

If you are struggling from depression, please do not give up. It is not the end of the world, it just feels like it. Taking care of yourself, even if it’s only one way on this list, will in some way help you on your road to feeling better.