Even nurses aren’t immune to feeling blue. All that time you spend taking care of others — indoors — can mean less time spent taking care of yourself.
But if you find yourself snapping at coworkers or scarfing snacks when you aren’t really hungry, it may be more than just the blues.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can make you feel moody, sluggish and withdrawn. Cold winter temps and short, dark days can lead to depression that zaps your energy and makes it harder to focus on daily tasks.
And, like other forms of depression, SAD can turn into heavier feelings like shame, guilt and anxiety.
Making a few small efforts each week to combat SAD will help you fight the funk and get you feeling energetic again:
Savor the sunlight
SAD affects those farthest from the equator the most for a reason: They get less sunshine, especially in the winter. Bundle up and make an effort to get outside every day. Even 15 minutes daily can make a difference in how you feel.
Don’t forgo exercise
When mornings and evenings are dark and cold, it can be tough to get the exercise you need. But find ways to get moving, whether that’s jogging on the treadmill, hitting the slopes, or even taking the stairs at work.
Get plenty of sleep
You may think you sleep better in the winter, but cranking the heat and eating large meals can wreak havoc on your sleep patterns. Make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature, and give yourself some time to digest before you hit the hay. Take a soothing bath, savor a cup of tea, or wind down with a few chapters from a good book.
Be mindful
Nurses are busy people, and it may seem difficult to find time for mindfulness. If you can fit in even a few minutes of focused relaxation or meditation, your mind with thank you for it; if not, simply work on taking a few moments to breathe deeply during your day or repeat a mantra that inspires you.
Snack smarter
It’s the seventh hour of your shift and you’re yawning. Don’t reach for the day-old doughnuts — you can do it! Arm yourself with healthy snacks from home and you’ll get through this hunger slump feeling better, not worse. Plan ahead and stock the fridge at the beginning of the week to avoid scrambling when you’re already tired and hungry.
Connect with others
Don’t forget how good it feels to laugh with your friends or get to know someone new. This one is perfect for combining with any of the tips above: sign up for a yoga class with your bestie, snuggle with your partner while you read, or grab a coworker for a lunchtime walk around the building. Win-win.
Still feeling blue? Tomorrow morning, as you scrape snow off your car for what feels like the hundredth time and find yourself daydreaming about fresh air and sunshine, consider this: You could strap on some sandals and fly south with a travel nursing job in a sunnier city.