The geniuses at Pantone must have run a mental health check on the world before they debuted classic blue as the Pantone Color of the Year 2020. As every depression-ridden Millennial knows, nothing pairs as well with waning mental health like the vibrancy of classic blue. So it’s fitting that classic blue was announced in time for you to use it to defend yourself from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). We don’t recommend you painting your entire life blue, but we can’t stop you either. However, we prefer these tried and true tricks for navigating the classic blue tones of seasonal depression. Keep reading to find out what they are!
Photo: Gulnaz Gizatullina (Getty Images)
Getting your mind right: 16 Celebrities Who Don’t Let Depression Hold Them Down (And Neither Should You)
Mental health 101: 10 Innovative Ideas For Curing That Seasonal Depression (Before It Starts)
How will you decorate your SAD life in classic blue for an entire year? Let us know your plans in the comments!
Follow Mandatory on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Panetone 2020 Seasonal Depression
-
Seasonal Depression Is Totally Treatable
If you find that season change gets you down, you're not alone. If the shortening days throw you off, add a little extra sunlight to your day with a lightbox like Miroco Light Therapy Lamp. Using it between 20 and 30 minutes a day will keep SAD at bay.
-
Upgrade Your Morning Wakeup
When it's so dark out, waking up can be a struggle. Instead of using intrusive alarm clocks with buzzers, opt for something more hi-tech like Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock with Colored Sunrise Simulation. Dawn simulators like this one slowly emit the kind of radiant light the sun does. This gradual change in light will make you feel like it's time to get up and start your day, especially when seasonal depression makes you want to give up and stay in bed.
-
Explore Your Feelings
One of the best ways to treat SAD is through journaling. Writing out everything you're going through is one of the most direct ways to feel clearheaded. Set aside 20 minutes to do this every day. We recommend doing it first thing in the morning while you're sitting in front of your lightbox and drinking coffee.
-
Talk to a Professional
Just because you're not clinically depressed you don't have to suffer alone in silence. In fact, even if you're not clinically depressed, speaking to a therapist about seasonal depression can help you navigate through it.
-
Get Physical
If you find that you're overwhelmed by all the feels in the winter, get moving. Exercise is a great way to manage depression. Also, one of the major side effects of SAD is weight gain, which you can counteract with physical activity.
-
Set a Schedule and Stick to It
One of the major side effects of SAD is having trouble sleeping at night. Attack this problem before it begins by waking up and going to sleep like usual. Plus, your dawn simulating alarm clock can't work if you don't use it.
-
Tell Your Friends You Have SAD
Misery loves company, so spread the word without shame.
-
If All Else Fails...Go on Vacation
Gift yourself the only thing you really need: a getaway to someplace warm. The break from cold, short days will upgrade your mood and help you get through winter.
