Winter and COVID Got You Down?
January 26, 2022
If you've got a case of the winter blues, you have plenty of company (albeit socially distanced company). During last winter's COVID surge, Americans experienced more frequent symptoms of anxiety and depression than in past years. according to a CDC study.
This year. the surge is even worse - leading to another round of canceled trips, missed milestones, and social isolation. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to fight back those blues and enjoy the winter:
Get your dally dose of humor. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that people who viewed funny memes reported higher levels of positive emotions and worried less about the pandemic.
Let nature nurture you. Studies find that if you spend a little time outdoors (yes. even in Philadelphia in January). you will reap a mental health benefit. Take a walk outside during the day, and go for a longer hike on the weekends.
Keep a regular schedule. Maintaining your routines may give you a sense of control and help you sleep better at night, according to some research. Even better. try to get to bed earlier and wake up earlier each day. One study of 840,000 people found that shifting your bedtime by just an hour decreased the risk of depression by double digits.
Commute. According to research from the Harvard Business School, commuting provides "a temporal and spatial separation between all the different roles we play." It's a buffer that eases the transition from one identity to the next, a consistent dose of in-between time to reflect and reset. When we don't psychologically detach from work, we risk becoming exhausted and burned out. Commuting is an opportunity to think about and plan for the role we’re transitioning into - such as shifting from technical analyst or project manager to parent. It allows us to reflect on our upcoming role like what to make for dinner, which chores need to be done, what's on TV tonight, or what to wear tomorrow.
Of course, it's important to note that there's a difference between feeling low and being depressed. If you're experiencing more serious signs of depression, you should talk to your medical doctor or seek assistance from a mental health professional.
Keep it here for more helpful tips from SEPTA Medical Director Dr. E [aka Dr. Jeffrey Erinoff]!!
