Any advice for getting motivated with seasonal depression?

[lakes]

I think I've developed seasonal depression for reasons I won't get into. I tried to get back into the habit of reading and exercising. But now I'm having even more trouble getting motivated and I feel like the cold, dry air and dark and dreariness outside isn't helping.

[Dan Q]

As the Covid lockdowns sapped my emotional energy and we drifted into the long, dark winter of 2020/2021, I came up with my own model for my personal mental health first aid: GEMSAW. That link's got more detail plus citations from relevant psychologists, but here's the essence of it:

• A daily practice of Gratitude: make the effort to say aloud or write down 1-3 things you're grateful for
• Making sure you get Exercise, even if that just means a dance break at your desk
• Meditation/Mindfulness, in whatever form works best for you
• Making sure you get enough Sunlight: I have a big sunlamp that automatically runs in my usual spot from from whenever I get up through to 2pm each day, unless cancelled, and it does me the world of good (and makes me look fab on video calls, too)
• Practicing Acts of kindness: the counterpoint to gratitude, try to do something nice for somebody every day, and acknowledge yourself for doing so - it can be as simple as paying a stranger a compliment online (by the way: well done starting this topic - I wouldn't have brought it up myself, but I really appreciate that you were bold enough to do so because I'll enjoy seeing the responses: thanks!)
• And don't forget to Write: blogging, journalling, or any other practice that reflects on what went well or badly about a day (or week, whatever works for you!); keep it short and sweet so you can let go and move on to the next day

I'm not you, but that's what's kept me sane the last few years. Hope it helps!

[lakes]

As the Covid lockdowns sapped my emotional energy and we drifted into the long, dark winter of 2020/2021, I came up with my own model for my personal mental health first aid: GEMSAW. That link's got more detail plus citations from relevant psychologists, but here's the essence of it:

I'm not you, but that's what's kept me sane the last few years. Hope it helps!

Thanks for the advice. 

[CharChar]

 Seasonal depression is really tricky, I like to romanticize the stuff that gets me down, so it might work for you. If you need a kick start to do something, try doing something seasonal. If you like nice smells and cooking, make a simmer pot while you work. If you like decorating,set decorating as a reward for something small instead. If you don't wanna do long tasks yet,then just do the simple things. Set a timer while you scroll to remind you to pick the stuff off the floor or whatever it is you need to do. Try reaching out to friends. I know that sounds cheesy, but communication and connection does help. It might not be the best solution, but i hope this winter/fall gets better for you    

[lakes]

Seasonal depression is really tricky, I like to romanticize the stuff that gets me down, so it might work for you. If you need a kick start to do something, try doing something seasonal. If you like nice smells and cooking, make a simmer pot while you work. If you like decorating,set decorating as a reward for something small instead. If you don't wanna do long tasks yet,then just do the simple things. Set a timer while you scroll to remind you to pick the stuff off the floor or whatever it is you need to do. Try reaching out to friends. I know that sounds cheesy, but communication and connection does help. It might not be the best solution, but i hope this winter/fall gets better for you    

Thank you! I'll try that too.