Don't be sad: Hacks to beat winter blues

The temp today is -24 °C (-11 °F). Granted it is sunny outside, yet I am still miserable. This dreary time of year really-really gets me down.

I’m not one to self-diagnose (says no one ever) but I swear that I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a mood disorder often referred to as the winter blues.

As one might expect, SAD prevalence is higher in the northern climates when fall and winter seasons significantly shorten the hours of sunlight per day. I go into the winter season with good intention, however, somewhere along the way come February, my happiness gene gets sidetracked with the gray days and freezing cold temps.

Loads of people report that they have low energy, difficulty concentrating, a massive appetite for carbs, and the urge to hibernate. I, on the other hand, get on with life and go about my day per usual. I have no issues with waking up, I religiously take vitamin D, I go for daily walks, I infuse humor into conversations, I accomplish tasks on my to-do list. The difference is that I feel meh when going through the motions.

Being able to recognize the problem makes for an easy cure, though. And there is a bright side: Symptoms disappear when the season ends. In the meantime, what can we sufferers do to combat SADness?

I’ve been geeking out lately on ways to rewire my brain to feel happier. Apparently, through a process called neuroplasticity, you can rewire your brain to form new connections and pathways and change how the brain’s circuits are wired. And with self-directed neuroplasticity, you can use the mind to change the brain to change the mind for the better.

Now that’s a mouthful. How about we think of self-directed neuroplasticity like this: Tweaking our thought patterns with clarity and skillfulness and intention.

Without further ado, here are six ways you can trick your brain for winter happiness.

Cultivate a mindset of optimism Think with a sunny outlook on life. When you choose to look at every situation with a positive attitude, you see your environment with a new light. with a new light.

Quiet the mind chatter The benefits of meditation and mindfulness come alive when you practice consistently. You don’t have to sit cross-legged on a cushion for hours on end. Meditation is what you make of it. If you can only spare 10 minutes then tap into your mind edit for those 10 minutes.

Work gratitude into your day Start small and focus on one tiny thing that you appreciate. It can even be hearing your favorite song on the radio. And don’t just write it down. Say it out loud. The key here is to learn how to savor and not let good moments or people pass by.

Grab fresh air Get outside and walk for at least 10 minutes a day. Focus on the benefits that come with outside light – an increase in serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that play a role in mood.

Move closer to a window Sitting near a window is an instant mood lift. It also allows you to spy on your neighbors ;-)

Get social Hang out with happy people who encourage and support you. Connecting virtually does the trick, too.

Stick with these six suggestions and you will see a dramatic change in your motivation to get through the SAD season.