The winter season is full of festivities and joy for many, though the season comes with struggle for some. It isn’t unusual to experience difficulty, especially during winter. There is actually a diagnosis for this seasonal depression, it is SAD, seasonal affective disorder. This disorder affects about 5% of the US population, occurring during seasons when there is less sunlight. Not everyone will experience seasonal depression, but to those who do there are many ways to bring joy still and cope with it all. 

Coping mechanisms are strategies used to deal with stress or unpleasant emotions. Some coping mechanisms don’t work for everyone and that’s okay. Exploring different coping mechanisms is important to find what works best for you. If you are struggling to figure out where to start, here are some that many people enjoy.

In recent years, journaling has become increasingly popular. There are so many different ways to journal that it makes it accessible to anyone and everyone! You do not need to be a writer or an organized person to journal, journaling can be personalized to fit your needs. The entire point of it is to destress to get everything and anything off of your chest. Not only can it help with stress but it can also help with feeling happier in some ways. You can journal about what you are grateful for or the beauty in life, and these little things can improve your mood. If writing isn’t your thing there are other ways to cope: baking!

Baking is an amazing way to relax, not only is it something to take your mind off all the worries in life but you also get an amazing sweet treat in the end! The cold weather makes it a perfect time to turn on the oven and get mixing. Baking requires quite a bit of focus, which could help take one’s mind off their worries, not only is it distracting from all the stressors of life but it also allows one to indulge in their creative side! Get creative with different recipes and decorate some cookies with fun colored icing. Baking can also bring connection, baking with others will allow people to connect, there is also baking for others that you love! Baking for others brings a sense of happiness and connection within both the receiving and the gifter. These are only two coping mechanisms to help you during this season, though there are so many more that you can find to help yourself. This season take some time for yourself and slow down. You are with yourself the rest of your life, put effort into you!