8 Micro Habits for the S.A.D. Months
As the days are getting darker earlier and earlier, here are some tips to handle mood changes whether you experience actual SAD or just feel a little more down during these months 🤎
I’ve sourced these from both research and personal experience, so I hope they help!
Any links shared in this post may be affiliate-based
incorporate warmth 🍵
Think soups, tea, stews, or a cozy bath if that’s your vibe. Adding warmth to your routine makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
It signals safety to your body and can help slow down spiraling thoughts. Pick one thing each day that brings you that comfy cozy heat.
surround yourself with scent 🕯️
Scent is such a fast way to shift your state. Light your favorite candle, put on your favorite perfume, or simmer something cinnamon-y on the stove.
Even a warm body wash in the shower can help your brain go “okay wait, we’re safe and cozy now.”
find some cozy fragrances that will make you smell like a baked good here 🍰
plan social time 🧑🤝🧑
It doesn’t have to be a full dinner or even leaving the house. Just texting someone a meme, planning a facetime, or watching a show with someone on the phone can count.
Sometimes socializing with people you like is the reminder you need that things can still be good.
watch or read something that makes you laugh 😂
Some days you need to process. Others, you just need to laugh at something dumb and low-stakes.
Find that one creator or show that always makes you giggle. Even better if it’s something you’ve seen before that made you laugh.
create a cozy season playlist 🎧
Music really works. Even if it’s background noise while doing chores or stretching.
You can mix in some of your new favorite songs or some of those nostalgic ones that make you happy.
If you like to sing along, sing! If lying down with headphones on is more your cup of tea, do that!
lean on loved ones 💞
Physical touch boosts your oxytocin and helps regulate your nervous system, so let a loved one hug you! 🤎
Be the one to ask for it if you need to. Even cuddling your pet counts. Feeling safe with someone is one of the fastest ways to reset your body when your brain is in a fog.
do something for someone else 🍪
If you have the capacity, small kindnesses can help pull you out of your own spiral.
Bring your friend coffee, help your grandma with her groceries, or hold the door for someone.
It doesn’t instantly fix everything, but it reminds you you’re still part of something good.
amp up the self-soothing 🧴
This one’s personal! For me it might be a skincare routine, a slow stretch session, or even doing some makeup just because.
The goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s just to tend to yourself with care and love.
check out some skin/bodycare items I recommend here
let it out ❤️
You don’t have to be cool and calm all the time. Let yourself cry if you need to.
Journal, scream into a pillow, or sit alone for a little and let the tears happen. If you’re feeling something, it’s valid. And if it’s a lot right now, that’s okay too.
Seasonal shifts can be sneaky. For some of us, they can totally mess with our brains and even our bodies.
Your emotions matter, and your vulnerability is not a weakness.
Try what works, skip what doesn’t, and be so kind to yourself this season.
Kennedy 🕯🍂🧡
