How to deal with summer depression

Are you struggling to enjoy the sunny days and outdoor fun that summer offers? You are not the only one. While the summer season is a time of joy for many, some individuals experience summer SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and struggle to share the excitement during these sunny months. If you are dealing with summer depression, fret not, as there are ways to cope and make the most of this time. Let us delve into this important issue and discover how to deal with summer depression.

What is summer depression?

Summer depression, as the term indicates, is a type of depression that emerges predominantly during the warmer months. Unlike the more commonly recognized autumn depression, this condition is marked by recurring depressive symptoms that appear in summer and typically fade as autumn and winter approach.

Symptoms linked to summer depression

The symptoms of summer depression are similar to regular depression. They include feelings of sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, being more sensitive, and losing pleasure in daily activities. People with summer depression also often experience discomfort from bright light, as if it is piercing through them.

4 tips on how to deal with summer depression

To soothe the symptoms of summer depression, we have assembled a list of helpful tips:

1. Ensure a good night's sleep

• Make your bedroom as dark as possible, and use a sleep mask if necessary.
• Keep your bedroom tidy to minimize distractions.
• Avoid going to bed on a full stomach.
• Stay away from excessive light a few hours before bedtime.
• Keep your phone out of the bedroom.

2. Stay active
Studies show that regular physical exercise can help combat depression. For example, go for a walk or a bike ride early in the cool morning, or swim laps in a refreshing pool.

3. Limit your exposure to social media
While social media can help you stay connected, seeing others enjoying the sun can worsen feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, aim to limit your social media exposure to 30 minutes per day.

4. Stay connected and engage in enjoyable activities, even if you do not feel like it
It might be tempting to stay home, but isolating yourself can worsen your mood over time. Instead, try to engage in activities you truly enjoy. Avoid events that force you to be cheerful, such as parties, but perhaps go to the movies or visit a museum with a friend.

How the Wim Hof Method can help

The Wim Hof Method is also an effective tool in reducing depression symptoms. This approach combines breathing exercises, a strong mindset, and cold exposure, teaching you to manage your body's automatic responses and handle intense physical, mental, and emotional stress more effectively. Many who have adopted this method report positive shifts in well-being like improved sleep, more concentration, and reduced stress levels.

So, if you are struggling with summer depression, give the Fundamentals course a try! By joining this course, you will learn how to implement the Wim Hof Method to live a more relaxed and happier life.