Products to Help Combat Seasonal Depression

About Laura Gooch

essential oil diffuser and flowers on a bedside table

Are you or someone you love feeling the effects of seasonal depression? With shorter days, colder weather and less sunshine, shifts in mood are normal. The good news is there are helpful products and gadgets designed to help make the winter days feel a little bit happier. Keep reading to learn more.

Light Therapy Lamp

Sunlight does more than brighten your day; it supports quality sleep, increases energy, helps reduce stress and improves cognitive function. But in the winter, when there’s just not as much sun to soak up, you might have to supplement your sunshine. This is where a light therapy lamp comes in. A light therapy lamp, also known as a light therapy box or a SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamp, uses full-spectrum fluorescent light to mimic natural sunlight, offering you the benefits of a sunny day even when it’s snowing.

When choosing your lamp, look for one that has a light intensity of 10,000 Lux as this is comparable to ambient daylight. It should also be UV-free so it doesn’t cause damage to the skin. To get the most benefit, you should use your lamp in the morning for an average of 20 to 30 minutes a day. So whether you have some time to sit down and read a book or want to prop it up by your computer while you work, a light therapy lamp is a great way to boost your serotonin and help make grey days feel warmer.

Light Therapy Glasses

Got a busy schedule? Light therapy glasses are a convenient alternative to a light therapy lamp or box because they’re portable and can be used almost anywhere—so long as you’re being safe! Whether you’re brushing your teeth, cooking breakfast or taking a walk, you don’t have to stop and sit in front of a lamp for thirty minutes to get all the wonderful sleep and mood benefits.

Like a light therapy lamp, light therapy glasses should be used in the morning, typically within an hour of waking. Duration of use depends on your specific needs, though the general recommendation is also 20 to 30 minutes daily. If you’re interested in trying light therapy, but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, ask your doctor for more guidance.

Sunrise Alarm Clock

Waking up may be a real struggle for some people, and wintertime can make that even more difficult. Something that may help your dark mornings feel a little easier is a sunrise alarm clock. Designed to simulate a natural sunrise, these alarm clocks wake you up gently, avoiding loud and sudden beeping that startles you out of your sleep. Sunrise alarm clocks, also known as dawn simulators, might offer benefits such as supporting a consistent sleep schedule, balancing melatonin and even helping manage seasonal affective disorder.

Quality sleep is a very important part of feeling your best during the winter months. The decrease in daylight hours can disrupt your circadian rhythm (your sleep-wake cycle), so it’s especially important to stick to a consistent sleep schedule this time of year.

Essential Oil Diffuser

Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils for wellness and healing, may be beneficial if you’re experiencing seasonal depression. By engaging your sense of smell, it can help balance your mood. While you can apply essential oils directly to your skin if they are properly diluted, another popular method is to use an essential oil diffuser. Not only does it make your home smell amazing, it can also serve as a stylish décor piece, with some models even lighting up for added ambience.

Fitness Tracker

Wearable technology is all the rage these days. From rings that gauge how ready you are for the day to watches that remind you to stretch your legs, the right fitness tracker can be a supportive tool in managing seasonal depression. Research shows that people who use fitness trackers tend to be more physically active than those who don’t. Since exercise can help to relieve stress and anxiety, two hallmarks of seasonal depression, a fitness tracker might be a good investment if you think it’ll make you more active.

Mindfulness and Meditation Apps

Mindfulness and meditation are two practices that can help you manage the anxiety and stress of seasonal depression. Cultivating your own practice can help improve your emotional resilience, improve mental clarity and create an overall sense of calm. Apps like Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer and Smiling Mind can make you feel more grounded and present even when you might be feeling overwhelmed.

Seasonal depression can make even the simplest days feel difficult. But making changes to your routine, even small ones, can have a large impact on the way you feel. Whether it's adding a bit of extra light to your morning routine or trying a new piece of wearable tech, trying something new might be the key to making winter that much better. It’s all about finding what best supports your well-being.

Looking for some more ways to feel your best this winter? Read our Winter Wellness Guide to find out how you can stay in tip-top shape.

_{The above content is shared for educational and informational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before beginning any diet, exercise, or fitness program, taking any additional or discontinuing any existing medications, or acting on any content on this website, especially if you have a medical condition. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.}