It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, not always necessarily. And no, I’m not speaking of the holidays.
Especially for individuals who often are challenged with low mood, anxiety, or depression. This isn’t specific to Seasonal Affective Disorder (commonly referred to as SAD) but can be applicable as well.
What one may not realize is that it’s actually the BEST time of the year! Let me explain. As the weather begins to change and summer sneaks away from us (the ol’ exiting to the right), many individuals find themselves grieving. Grieving the longer days and exciting nights. Grieving the open and endless opportunities that are promised with warmer weather and increased events. Yet, one may not take time to realize that with the change of season (physically and metaphorically), comes an opportunity to change how we participate in “what is” rather than “what’s no longer”.
One thing that is promised (at least in many parts of the world – though, at different times of the year), is a drop in temperature. Let’s call it what it becomes, COLD!... bitterly cold. And this is PERFECT! Again, let me explain. A sudden change in temperature can actually help regulate our emotions. Studies have shown that sudden exposure to coldness can in fact have a positive affect on brain chemistry and hormones to a point where it acts as a sort of anti-depressant (Shevchuk, 2007). Pretty cool I’d say (total pun intended)!
So, what does this mean and how can someone struggling with an onset of panic? Anxiousness? Rapid decline in mood? Well, I’m glad you asked, so let’s get creative! If you’re in the throws of winter, step outside without your “protective gear” (e.g., hat, gloves, coat, scarf). That’s right! Step outside and right into the blistering cold! Not able to step out completely? Open a window and take deep breaths and inhale the cold air. Snow on the ground? Pick some up and focus on making a snowball (gloves not included). Get creative! Willing to step outside barefoot? Have at it!
But what happens when your winter doesn’t call for freezing temperatures or ice and snow? There are other creative ways to take advantage of this holistic approach to wellness and emotion regulation. Think cold showers, chewing on ice chips, running your hands under a running faucet of cold water, holding an ice cube in your hand, or laying belly down on a tile or wood floor. As Nikolai A. Shevchuk (2007) reported, “Exposure to cold is known to activate the sympathetic nervous system and increase the blood level of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline and to increase synaptic release of noradrenaline in the brain.” So, what does that mean? Your brain receives a sudden “shock” that acts as a sort of “reboot”, allowing the psyche to regulate by “staring from the beginning”- the “before”.
Is it time to develop a new and healthier meaning and connection to this time of the year?
Shevchuk, N. A. (2007, November 13). Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression. Medical hypotheses. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17993252/. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.04.052
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