Feeling a little blue? Have no fear! We’ve come to the rescue with a fool-proof guide to beating seasonal depression.
With Christmas now over, maybe you’ve decided on your resolutions, and maybe you haven’t, but if you’re anything like me, you’re starting to think ahead to the New Year.
Most of us feel a bit depleted after the holiday season not to mention the almost inevitable seasonal depression that starts to set in. Whether it’s your first year or your last in Sweden, the winter darkness is not easy to grow accustomed to, so I’ve compiled a list of things that help me cope with the post-Christmas January blues and hopefully they can help you too.
1. Curl up with a book and a hot drink. If you’re honest with yourself, there are probably several titles you’ve always wanted to read, but they’ve been sitting on the bookshelf for a while. Get it out and grab a blanket. You’ve got an afternoon of activity!
2. Book a trip. You’re low on vitamin-D and your body is screaming for sunshine; I get it. Get online and find a sunny destination you want to visit! Even if it’s not warm enough for beach time, your body will thank you for the vitamin-D!
3. Get active. Take advantage of the few hours of daylight by taking a walk in the city or get a membership at a local gym (and actually use it). Make this the year the resolution to “get fit,” actually sticks. Why not?
4. Splurge on a winter accessory. Is there a pair of boots you’ve been eyeing all season, or maybe it’s a pair of leather gloves? Buying them will make you feel better about being outdoors.
5. Light some candles. Scented or unscented, they are bound to help you into a cozy mood.
6. Catch up with “your shows.” Post-holiday season is the perfect time to reconnect with your favorite TV-characters… or find new ones! My personal favorite is finding a new show and then having a good Netflix binge accompanied by popcorn, of course!
7. Organize a glögg crawl. Or just join in on one your friends are having! I have yet to partake in this event, but this winter I’m making it happen. I was turned on to the idea a few weeks ago by a good friend and can’t seem to get the idea out of my head. I can’t imagine anything un-fun about it.
8. Visit a museum. Or five. Stockholm is blessed to be home to so many wonderful museums and this season, take advantage and just go! For starters: Fotografiska, the photography museum, is one of my favorites and they are always hosting new artists’ work.
9. Take on a new hobby. Teach yourself something new. You’ve always wanted to learn how to knit or play the guitar? If not now, when?
10. Learn something new. A new language, perhaps? Or try improving your typing skills using Typeracer. By stretching your brain to acquire a new skill, maybe you’ll forget just how cold and dark it is outside… Maybe.
12. Visit a tanning salon. Get a vitamin D fix by visiting a tanning salon in your area. SolTrope Solarium and SunBox are two options available in central Stockholm. Be cautious of how often you go, however, because over-exposure to the sun can have harmful effects.
13. Get your skate on. The ice rink in Kungsträdgården is a must! If you have your own skates, the activity is free, but 1 hour adult skate rental is available for 60 SEK and 30 SEK for children up to age 19.
If all else fails, just embrace it because the sun will be back in the Spring!
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