Embracing the Seasonal Blues: A Guide for Women Who Slay

As much as we romanticise autumn leaves and cosy winter nights, the colder months can take a toll on our mood. Many women silently struggle with this shift. The drop in temperature, shorter days, and lack of sunlight can leave us feeling low-energy for no obvious reason at all.

This phenomenon is often referred to as the seasonal blues. It’s a dip in mood, motivation, and emotional balance that many of us experience when the seasons change. If you’ve ever felt “off” during autumn or winter and couldn’t quite explain it, trust me, you’re not alone.

This is my truth about seasonal blues and the gentle, practical, soul-nourishing ways I manage it.

Understanding the Seasonal Blues

Seasonal blues can manifest in various ways. Here are some feelings I’ve personally experienced:

✦ Lower motivation

✦ Mental fog

✦ Increased desire to sleep

✦ Decreased excitement about things I normally love

✦ Heightened anxiety or irritability

✦ Feeling disconnected from myself

If any of this resonates with you, please know: there is nothing “wrong” with you. Your body and mind are responding to real environmental changes. Your emotions are valid. Let’s explore how to support ourselves through this challenging time.

1. Getting Sunlight (or a Light Therapy Lamp)

The shorter days hit hard. Sunlight affects everything from mood to energy. When sunlight is limited, I try to:

✦ Take a morning walk (even 10 minutes helps)

✦ Sit near natural light during the day

✦ Use a light therapy lamp (a game changer!)

Just a few minutes of brightness signals to your brain, “Hey, we’re okay.” It genuinely lifts your mood and energises you.

2. Movement - But Make It Gentle

During seasonal blues, intense workouts can feel overwhelming. Instead, I focus on:

✦ Slow stretching

✦ Walking

✦ Low-intensity yoga

✦ Dancing in my kitchen to feel-good music

This isn’t about burning calories; it’s about waking up your spirit. Movement helps release emotional heaviness without forcing anything. When you move with kindness instead of pressure, your mind softens too.

3. Romanticising My Routine

candles that smell like peace

If the season feels heavy, I make my small moments feel luxurious. Think:

✦ Warm drinks in cute mugs

✦ Soft blankets

✦ Moisturising everything (because hydration = comfort)

✦ Comforting meals

✦ Candles that smell like peace

This isn’t just “aesthetic”; it’s emotional regulation. Little rituals make dark days feel lighter.

4. Journaling Through the Mood Dip

Seasonal blues bring a lot of internal noise. Writing it out helps me process instead of spiral. My favourite journaling prompts include:

✦ “What emotion is sitting with me today?”

✦ “What would make today feel 5% easier?”

✦ “What does my mind need? What does my body need?”

Even one paragraph can shift your whole mood.

5. Staying Connected (Even When I Want to Withdraw)

Seasonal blues can make you want to isolate, but sometimes connection is the medicine. I try to:

✦ Text someone I trust

✦ Spend time with people who feel safe

✦ Have a slow, cosy catch-up with a friend

You don’t need to be “on.” You just need to be supported.

6. Letting Myself Feel Without Judging

Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Seasonal blues aren’t a sign of weakness; they’re a sign of humanity. So instead of fighting the low days, I let myself:

✦ Rest

✦ Slow down

✦ Do less

✦ Breathe

Acceptance doesn’t mean surrendering; it means supporting yourself with compassion instead of criticism.

7. Finding Joy in Small Moments

In the midst of seasonal blues, it’s essential to seek joy in small moments. Whether it’s a warm cup of tea or a favourite song, these little pleasures can brighten your day. I often remind myself to pause and appreciate these moments. They can be the light in the darker days.

8. Embracing Change

Change is a natural part of life. The seasons shift, and so do our emotions. Embracing this change can help us navigate the seasonal blues. I remind myself that it’s okay to feel different during this time. It’s a part of my journey, and I can learn from it.

9. Seeking Professional Help

If the seasonal blues become overwhelming, seeking professional help is a brave and empowering step. Talking to a therapist or a coach can provide valuable insights and coping strategies. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

You’re Not Alone in This

Seasonal blues are real, and they don’t make you any less strong, brilliant, or capable. You’re allowed to struggle. You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to take care of yourself in whatever way you need.

This season doesn’t define you; it’s just a chapter. With the right rituals, it can become a softer one. So be gentle with yourself and give yourself grace. Remember: brighter days always come back.

By|SashaShantel