Seasonal Depression: Getting out of your funk!

The date this was posted goes to show I am even experiencing some seasonal depression. A sunday blog going up on a Wednesday night, righhhttt lol.

Whether it is the days getting shorter or grief rearing its head during the holidays, feeling down in the dumps can be perceived as an everyday cycle of failure or lack of motivation.

I have lived away from home for almost five years and I am now realizing that my mom is the one that kept the spirit alive. But just because I do not see her as often, does not mean I cannot carry those traditions into my own life.

It is understandable for life to get in the way especially when living on your own. You are in charge of every aspect now and those holiday activities may not fit into your schedule as a priority.

Getting older can also make one realize their sparkle and whimsy for life is gone. But instead of feeding into the seasonal depression, there are ways that will help you find that fire inside you again.

Seasonal depression does not only cover the holidays. It can manifest into different aspects of your life such as your career, relationships and self-care. Finding motivation when you are in a slump can be difficult but self reflection will aid in finding the joy of life again.

I get into creative funks when I am not feeling 100 percent and that translates into my career where I then get even harder on myself and fall into a failure mindset. My depression appears when I start to do too much for others and not enough for myself. When I lose sight of the things I love, I lose sight of my sense of self and the interest that makes me, me!

Window shopping at the thrift store or antique shop, dancing around lights and lasers on the weekend and creating small crafts for no one but myself are some ways I can get back to feeling like myself. Those small acts of kindness towards myself, help get the ball rolling for the other important tasks in my life like meeting deadlines, doing my laundry and texting my friends back.

All it really takes is finding that little girl inside me that did not create for monetary gain or likes on her posts but because SHE likes those activities that make up her personality and traits.

A lack of inspiration or purpose can lead you down a rabbit hole of useless and untrue thoughts. Regaining your way of expression does not always have to be a Mel Robbins podcast or advice from your therapist, it can reform from getting back in touch with what YOU want.

These slumps are not cured overnight and may take some time to get out of but small acts of self-care throughout your week can improve your quality of life. Finding what works for you through journaling or going through old playlists or Pinterest boards may be the start to self revolution.

It hit me the other day when I was crafting my Christmas gifts for my family and friends. I felt as if I was 13 years old again going through my craft drawers because I was inspired by something I saw on Pinterest.

An epiphany struck in that moment that my inspiration sparks from the little creative girl I used to be and still need to remember is there, I just need to hang out with her here and there.

So if you are feeling the holiday blues or feel like you have been in a funk for a while, find what inspires you and especially what that younger version of yourself was inspired by.

ALSO, the winter solstice is on Dec. 21 so the days will start to get longer. Everything is temporary.

XOXO,

S☮︎