Happy New Year!

TIP: How to Make It Through Winter When You Suffer From Seasonal Depression

 

Making it through winter can be particularly challenging for those who suffer from seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Here are some strategies to help cope with seasonal depression during the winter months:

1. Light Therapy: Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, involves exposure to a bright light that mimics natural sunlight. This can help regulate your body's internal clock and improve mood. You can use a light therapy box at home, ideally in the morning for about 30 minutes to an hour.

2. Spend Time Outdoors: Even though it's cold, getting outside during daylight hours can be beneficial. Sunlight exposure, even on overcast days, can help boost mood and regulate your body's internal clock. Try to take walks or engage in outdoor activities when possible.

3. Stay Active: Regular exercise is a powerful tool for managing depression, including seasonal depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Even if it's too cold to exercise outdoors, you can find indoor activities such as yoga, dancing, or using home exercise equipment.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support your mental and physical well-being. Limiting caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake can also help stabilize mood.

5. Establish a Routine: Creating a daily routine can provide structure and stability during the winter months. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, eat meals at regular intervals, and schedule activities that you enjoy.

6. Socialize: Stay connected with friends and family, even if it's through virtual means. Social support is essential for managing depression, so make an effort to maintain relationships and engage in social activities, even if it's just a phone call or video chat.

7. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation into your daily routine. These practices can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calmness.

8. Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling to manage your seasonal depression on your own, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can be highly effective in treating seasonal depression. In some cases, medication may also be recommended.

9. Consider Vitamin D Supplements: Some research suggests that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to seasonal depression. Talk to your doctor about whether taking a vitamin D supplement could be beneficial for you, especially if you live in an area with limited sunlight during the winter months.

10. Practice Self-Care: Finally, prioritize self-care activities that bring you joy and comfort. Whether it's reading a book, taking a long bath, or indulging in a hobby, taking time for yourself is essential for maintaining mental well-being during the winter months.

Remember that it's okay to ask for help and that you're not alone in dealing with seasonal depression. By implementing these strategies and seeking support when needed, you can better manage your symptoms and make it through the winter months with greater ease.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

Happy New Year 2026!

Once, in a quaint little town nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, there lived a community known for their vibrant New Year celebrations. The town of Evergreen was renowned far and wide for its joyous festivities, where people from neighbouring villages would gather to welcome the coming year with open hearts and beaming smiles.

As the end of December approached, the entire town buzzed with excitement. Colourful banners were strung across the streets, and the scent of freshly baked treats filled the air. Every shop and house was adorned with twinkling lights, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets.

At the heart of Evergreen stood the town square, a bustling hub of activity year-round but especially alive during the New Year celebrations. In the centre of the square stood a towering evergreen tree, adorned with hundreds of shimmering ornaments and strings of lights. It was a sight to behold, a symbol of hope and renewal for the townsfolk.

As the sun began to set on the final day of the year, families gathered in the square, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns and the flickering flames of bonfires. Children chased each other through the crowd, their laughter blending with the sound of cheerful music played by local musicians.

At the stroke of midnight, the sky erupted into a dazzling display of fireworks, painting the night with bursts of colour and light. Cheers and applause filled the air as the townsfolk welcomed the arrival of the new year with open arms.

But amidst the revelry, there was one person who stood out from the crowd – a young girl named Eliza. Unlike the other townsfolk, Eliza wore a somber expression, her thoughts weighed down by worries and fears.

You see, Eliza's family owned a struggling bakery on the outskirts of town. Despite their tireless efforts, they barely made enough to make ends meet, and the future looked uncertain. As she watched the joyful celebrations unfold around her, Eliza couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in her heart.

But just as the last firework fizzled out and the crowd began to disperse, something extraordinary happened. A stranger approached Eliza, a kindly old man with a twinkle in his eye.

"Are you not enjoying the festivities, my dear?" he asked, his voice gentle and warm.

Eliza sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I'm sorry, sir. It's just that…well, my family's bakery is struggling, and I'm worried about what the new year might bring."

The old man nodded sympathetically, placing a hand on Eliza's shoulder. "I understand, my dear. But remember, the new year is a time for hope and possibility. And sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of magic to turn things around."

With that, the old man reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch filled with shimmering dust. Before Eliza could protest, he sprinkled the dust over her head, whispering a few words under his breath.

Instantly, Eliza felt a strange tingling sensation wash over her, filling her with a sense of warmth and wonder. And when she opened her eyes, she couldn't believe what she saw.

The town square had transformed before her very eyes. The once-empty stalls were now overflowing with an abundance of baked goods, their tantalizing aroma drifting through the air. People flocked to the bakery, their faces lit up with delight as they sampled the delicious treats.

Eliza's heart swelled with joy as she watched her family's bakery come to life before her eyes. It was as if the old man's magic had breathed new life into their struggling business, filling it with hope and promise for the future.

And as the sun rose on the first day of the new year, the townsfolk of Evergreen gathered once again in the square, their hearts full of gratitude and joy. For they knew that this would be the happiest New Year yet, a testament to the power of hope, kindness, and a little touch of magic.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

The Missing Floor - Chapter 7: The Thing the Building Learned to Hold

I couldn’t understand its full shape at once. My mind kept breaking it into parts—folds, bulges, seams that opened and closed in slow intervals. It wasn’t contained by a single chamber but by the building itself, which wrapped around it like a clenched fist.

Steel supports sank into it and through it, disappearing into concrete that had been poured again and again, layer over layer, as if builders had panicked and kept adding material whenever it moved.

It breathed.

Each inhale caused the surrounding beams to tighten. Each exhale made the entire floor contract. The building wasn’t passive—it was responding, actively resisting expansion.

Then it became aware of me.

The nearest fold shifted. A rupture opened slightly, revealing slick movement beneath. It didn’t roar or lash out.

It listened.

The vibration under my feet changed, syncing with my pulse.

Somewhere above me, the building groaned in warning.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model