Winter is coming…
NYC winters are always difficult. Especially if you’re living in a small apartment that’s windowless. My winters have turned 180 since I moved to an apartment with wall-length windows, letting the sun come in. Even though I had windows in my previous apartment, I always had my curtains shut for privacy because it was on the first floor next to the street. New Yorkers tend to be more depressed during the winter because of their less access to sunshine in their home. Hence why Covid hit us so hard.
That being said, getting some sun into your home is not the only way to fight against New York City winter depression. Especially if you’re one of the people who have no windows – what should you do to fight that winter depression?
Bringing Warmth Into the Home
And I don’t mean a literal heater but that’s great too. The type of warmth that comes from the inside. It can vary from person to person, on what they prefer. In my case, whenever fall begins – I change my room environment to be cozier. I bring out my candles, lay out a rug, and always cover myself in a fuzzy, plush blanket I can drown in.
The environment in your home, especially your bedroom is important in making you feel less depressed. Especially since you’re surrounded by darkness since the sun sets early. I was never a candle person but seeing my close friends have candles burning all year round was intriguing. So when I decided to use up the candles I had, just sitting at home, it changed my entire mood during winter. Scented candles are proven to help mental health and well-being. They stimulate memory and mood in your brain having psychological effects. Who knew lighting a candle could heal you?
Rearranging Priorities
I definitely noticed that the season often dictates the priorities I have at the time. During my summers, I dedicate a lot more time to my social life. Making sure I make the most of each day outside, making new memories. My bank account thanks me every winter, as it recovers from what I put it through during the summer. Even though I still dedicate time to my social life – I’ve noticed that I tend to focus a lot more on myself during winter. The reality is, people just tend to go out less during winter. If they do meet up with friends or their partner, they do activities indoors or travel somewhere warm.
In other words, winter is a great time to prioritize yourself. People distract you less by reaching out. It becomes easier to not break your routine for unexpected occasions, and truly focus on your own goals. Winter is the time I feel most grounded as I completely concentrate on my work and personal growth. Resulting in oftentimes the period where I make the most progress and achievements without anyone knowing. In fact, I never noticed it till now, but I always ended up posting far more on my blog in the winter. You might see it yourself when I post more in the future than I’ve had these past few months.
As a result, my self-esteem increases much more when I choose to make my winters productive- focusing on self-love and improving myself, rather than concentrating on my negative emotions.
So, instead of waiting till New Year’s, try choosing a goal at the start of every winter and see where it takes you. If you need help accomplishing your goals, read Mel Robbin’s tip to prevent procrastinating.
Animal Therapy
As you’re already aware, during Covid, countless people adopted or began fostering pets. Pets can oftentimes be the cure for depression whether it’s from isolation, during a pandemic, or seasonal depression from winter.
Last winter, I fell terribly sick at the end of December. In fact, I rang in the New Year taking a covid test my best friend dropped off at the front of my door. I tested negative but still quarantined myself for several weeks because of my symptoms and how sick I was. Before I had fallen sick, my sister had dropped off her cat for me to babysit for the next month. My whole family adores my sister’s cat, whom we consider OUR cat. Hence why I haven’t even adopted my own pet, in case Cleo, my sister’s cat, gets upset.
That being said, I get winter depression quite easily every year. Weather affects my mood greatly, which is why growing up in NYC was always hard. Since NYC winters last long, I always wanted to move to a place where the weather was warmer and with sunshine most of the year.
However, that month despite having every reason to wallow in self-pity while I was sick, isolated, and just endless dark days – I didn’t feel depressed at all. Babysitting my sister’s cat essentially saved that winter for me as I found comfort with even her presence and taking care of her while I was sick.
Animal therapy is a known method to help people cope with physical or mental health. So, I definitely recommend trying to adopt a pet – even if you hate pets. My sister is the type of person to hate pets and babies – and now loves her cat more than anything in the world.
Although NYC apartments aren’t the best to raise a dog – I highly suggest adopting a cat. I’ve yet to meet someone who’s regretted adopting one.
Photo by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash
