As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many people experience shifts in their mood and energy levels. Seasonal Affective Disorder can make it even harder to stay energized and positive, but self-care practices can help you maintain balance and keep your spirits up. In 2024, this is more important than ever as we navigate stressors like financial uncertainty, environmental challenges, and mental health concerns.

Here are 3 simple ways to reduce the impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) this season while managing this year’s biggest stressors:

Stick to Your Morning Routine for Stability

With the constant pressure of rising costs and financial instability, maintaining control over the little things can provide much-needed relief. Your nervous system thrives on regularity, so sticking to a morning routine—even if it's modified—can set a positive tone for your day. Whether it’s five minutes of stretching, a short meditation, or a few moments outside to catch some sunlight, these small acts of consistency can keep you grounded when external stressors feel overwhelming.

Wellness Tip: If you’re looking for structure, start with a simple morning checklist that includes non-negotiable tasks like hydration, light movement, and gratitude. Download our morning checklist here .

Use Gratitude to Shift Your Focus

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of anxiety-inducing news, whether it’s related to climate change, the election, illness and disease or financial hardship. However, practicing gratitude can be a powerful antidote to these stresses. You can start by simply stating three things you’re grateful for each day. Doing so will activate mood-boosting chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which naturally elevate your spirits.

Gratitude also engages the Prefrontal Cortex, the area of your brain that manages focus and decision-making. This practice is particularly helpful when outside factors feel heavy, offering clarity and calm amidst the chaos.

Move Your Body to Combat Stress and Fatigue

The constant pressures of life—finances, health, work demands, and juggling family responsibilities—are more overwhelming than ever. But incorporating regular movement into your routine is a natural way to boost energy and lift your mood, especially when symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder start to appear. The best part? You don’t need a strenuous workout to feel the benefits. Simple activities like yoga, stretching, a short walk, or even dancing for a few minutes can release endorphins and leave you feeling more energized and refreshed.

Wellness Tip: Break your movement into short bursts throughout the day. Even if you’re pressed for time, small moments of activity will help combat sluggishness.

Social Stressors and the Importance of Self-Care

This year has presented a unique set of challenges that can make it hard to maintain balance, from economic uncertainty to environmental concerns and social issues. Embracing self-care practices — like creating routines, practicing gratitude, and staying active — are simple but effective ways to manage these stressors.

As we head into the colder months and continue navigating the pressures of this year, remember that taking care of your mind and body is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. Prioritizing self-care can help ease the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder and leave you feeling more centered and resilient in the face of whatever comes your way.