6 Simple Ways to Treat Yourself

As the days get shorter and the dread of an impending winter begins to creep up on people, psychologists have found that seasonal affective disorder becomes much more prevalent. Though not everyone suffers from a chronic form of SAD, most people can acknowledge the gloomy winter blues and the feeling of isolation that is associated with colder days.

How can you encourage self care and boost your self-confidence during the colder months of the year?

1. Take your pleasure seriously.

Did you know sex is considered an antidepressant? The “love hormone,” oxytocin, is released during sex, bonding you more strongly with your partner and creating a stronger sense of emotional intimacy. Studies show that sex has a surprising positive correlation with improved mental health. Not currently in a relationship? Masturbation has been shown to enhance overall happiness, too. Buy yourself some sexy lingerie, turn out the lights, and get busy.

2. Integrate lavender into your sleep routine.

A perennial and evergreen plant with numerous health benefits, lavender has long been recommended by aromatherapists for people struggling with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Studies show that lavender not only enhances sleep quality but actually increases the amount of time one spends in deep, slow-wave sleep, so you wake up feeling more rested overall. Lavender essential oils are some of the most popular on the market, but if that’s not really your vibe, you can take it orally, in a drink mixed with sleep-producing hormone melatonin, or even spray it on your pillow to encourage a calming, peaceful night’s sleep.

3. Book a vacation or staycation.

You don’t need to hop onto an international flight to get away. Even if you can’t afford to travel far, you can find opportunities to relax and unwind close to home. If you live in the Midwest area, it’s only a hop, skip, and jump to the Mitten State, where you can indulge in some affordable yet fun activities. You can take the LAN150 Challenge in Lansing, Michigan, and experience this quaint town the way the locals do. This challenge is being promoted as a “bucket list” experience for Michiganders and out-of-state tourists; you won’t want to miss it.

4. Take a train ride.

Is anything more romantic than a train ride through the country? Amtrak has numerous routes through the most stunning parts of the country, including upstate New York and Vermont, where the fall foliage is on full display this time of year. Amtrak is a longtime supporter of the artistic community and encourage creatives to ride the rails while creating their work. The National Endowment for the Arts program has collaborated with Amtrak for several years in a row and provide a prestigious writers’ residency for new and established writers of all stripes.

5. Go on a Motor City brewery tour.

Heading to Detroit for the weekend used to mean car shows and not much else. However, the vibrant metropolis near the Canadian border is certainly no longer your grandfather’s Motor City. Countless breweries and distilleries have opened up in the past few years, drawing hoards of newcomers and luring natives back to their hometown. Narrowing down your choices to the best of the best is as easy as organizing an off-the-beaten path brewery tour.

6. Go for a hike.

Getting outside can be one of the best ways to beat the autumn blues. Oxygen and natural surroundings have both been proven to enhance mental stability and help people feel more grounded. Before the snow flies, you still have time to hit the trails. Some of the most strikingly scenic views are in your own backyard, with 10 hiking trails in Michigan ranking high.