Are you feeling flat after the holidays? You are not alone.
Social Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is a debilitating condition that affects people in both their personal and professional lives. It can lead to feelings of isolation, lack of self-confidence, and an inability to interact with others, making it difficult to function in everyday life.
Thankfully, there are a number of ways available to help manage these feelings and improve your quality of life. I’m going to look at how we can use use socialization to battle S.A.D. and get back to living life to the fullest.
During the holiday period we are often communicating in some way with others regularly. Whether this is physically or virtually, whether it is the postman wishing you a Happy New Year, or your family deciding to stay for a week, we usually have some kind of interaction with someone. There is often the run up before Christmas with lights, and music and social events, and once the day is over nothing. Christmas Day ends and everything stops. This can drive you into feeling depressed once more.
How being around people makes you happy.
Staying inside our own heads is a fast route to circling thoughts, and negative self-talk. Surrounding yourself with laughter and happiness, even if you’re not in the mood, can help. Often when we are with someone the mood instantly feels lighter and we feel happier.
Laughter has been proven to release hormones in a person’s body. These hormones help elevate mood and alleviate stress. And you may find yourself joining in on the laughter and fun. I know that I used to ‘meet’ a friend for a virtual daily coffee which might be the highlight of my day. Even if I really didn’t feel like talking once we started I often started to feel better. Sometimes we would simply work on our respective projects in silence but just having a companion even over video can make a huge difference to our psyche. Even introverts need some company once in a while.
New Perspectives
When you’re around others you may be able to see things from a different perspective. We probably have experienced that friend who is constantly down and negative and being around them can start to weigh on you, but did you realise that positive friends can work the same way. Positivity is also contagious. You may find that others share your present situation. They may have a different outlook or approach to the problem. This new perspective or outlook can help you find a way out of the darkness.
Sometimes friends and family have a way of reminding us what’s important or keeping us grounded. You may be able to look at your present situation in a new light. Gratitude is a powerful emotion. When you feel it, it can change your entire perspective. Many experts recommend keeping a gratitude journal or notebook to help remember what’s good in your life.
When music, fun, and food are also involved. It can be difficult to stay depressed while there’s an upbeat vibe. When you’re surrounded by delicious food, great music and laughter, a winter depression can slip away for a few moments.
I don’t feel like socialising.
When we have SAD or winter blues it can have an effect of changing our characters, in fact I warn my friends every year about this. I become more surly and more argumentative. I don’t enjoy going out and sometimes have to be forced into it because I naturally go into hermit mode. I have cancelled no end of engagements during winter simply because I couldn’t be bothered. Again we get into our own heads and feel too tired, or grumpy, or ill to go out
but having someone around to drag you out, or force you outside is worth its weight in gold. You might not want to go, but you might feel happier once you are there.
Plan it in advance.
If you’re prone to seasonal depression, consider being proactive before it hits. Schedule weekly meetings with friends and family. Make it a habit. Write it on the calendar and make it as important an outing as visiting your doctor. Meet at a local restaurant or coffee shop, or if you are feeling brave, invite them over. The downside of the last option is that you can’t just make an excuse and leave when you’ve had enough. This way you know you have a plan to get yourself out of the house and socializing on a regular basis.
Find other ways to get out of the house too during the daylight hours. Consider joining a fitness class. Or take a class at your local community center. Try something you’ve always wanted to learn. Do you want to learn something creative, or join a reading group? Learning something new and surrounding yourself with people can help you get out of yourself during the winter blues.
Conclusion
Socialising with Seasonal Affective Disorder is tough, but if you can drag yourself out, it can be worth it. Set yourself a goal of just turning up with no pressure to stay and see what happens.
Take charge of your life. Don’t let the winter blues get you down.
