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Let's survive the SAD season together with some of my favourite items and coping mechanisms

Purple Star emoji 23 items
SAD (seasonal affective depression) is upon us here in Canada. I personally have struggled through this in my years and have learned many easy naturally ways that are simple, affordable and great for my own health that help combat this time. I have c...
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Body care

As we get into the cold season and seasonal affective depression peaks for a lot of folks, it is important to still take care of our bodies; even in simple ways. Here are some of the suggested items and things that help me get through this rough patc...

 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
There will be a few different lotions on this list but this is one that I have been gravitating to at this time to help with my dry skin needs! I like how light it is and how soft my body feels
Lightweight, Hydrating Moisturizing Lotion
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
I bought a pack of this as my feet tend to get very dry during this cold season. adding this to my skincare when I am able to has helped immensely. I personally like to put a good amount on my feet then put on a pair of soaks to lock in the moisture
O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet: Guaranteed Relief for Extremely Dry, Cracked Feet
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Samantha Jennings profile picture
Aveeno lotion is another go to in my household and I find it really nice for the my sensitive skin. I love the oat smell on top of this
AVEENO ® Daily Moisturizing Lotion
 
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the nurse in me but the skin care and wellness person in me would like to remind you even though we arent tanning its good to add sunscreen into our winter care.
Sun – SKIN1004
 
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a simple, cheap loofah can help with combating dry skin in this season for sure
Loofahs | Walmart Canada
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
you know I am going to come on here and preach hydration as great body care. Investing in a reusable water bottle is environmentally friendly, fun, customizable and a great way to get water in. So why is this under body care? Well water and hydration...
Reusable Water Bottles & Jugs

Mental wellness

Mental wellness is a mix of several things from skill sets, to items that I found help my mood to just reminding ourselves to be more graceful with this season. I believe in you!

 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
adult colouring books are a great way to slow down, a simple soothing activity that if you have not tried I would recommend!
Adult Colouring Books
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
I always add some skills to a mental wellness list as a gentle reminder that it is okay to use skills to help us with heavy emotions
TIPP: DBT Skills, Worksheets, Videos, Exercises
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
I used to have a sad light and I found it okay; I might try it again as I am lucky my local library has these for rent. Helps keep up vitamin D for those dark dreary days
Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light box
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
this can be beneficial for helping aide in sleep hygiene as well as comfort at home. In mental wellness, this is an item that provides safety and a great item for relaxation
Weighted Blanket
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
this is a great tool to read to folks for helping them calm down, added in for anxiety and relaxation strategies
A BODY SCAN SCRIPT
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
I love a good body scan meditation as it is sometimes hard for folks to focus on this at the beginning it will help bring down anxiety during tough time
Beginner's Body Scan Meditation
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
moving your body is a great way to help with SAD. Again, this can be very difficult but even if it is a simple walk, stretches or yoga I recommend to boost your serotonin naturally
Bodyweight Workout for Beginners (20-Minute at Home Routine)
 
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If you are more of an outdoor adventure type I recommend downloading this app to find local trails to walk; of course make sure you wear the proper winter gear as it is cold out there!
AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
depending on what you can afford or your comfort-- I like to re share journalling in mental wellness. Journalling is great for getting out some of those heavy emotions, venting and a great way to be honest with yourself. Hell, you can even journal on...
Journal
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
I personally always go to lofi girl for general, free chill background music and makes me feel better mentally.
Lofi Girl

Some of my additional comfort items I recommend

I like to add some easy items here to help with comfort because sometimes, those little joys can really help through this season

 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
a good pair of slippers helps me feel cozy, comfortable and safe during times of SAD season
Women's Moccasins & Slippers | Manitobah | Walk With Us
 
Samantha Jennings profile picture
if you are not a fan of the slippers, I like a warm pair of socks as well
Reading Socks
 
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another way to relax and stay cozy is having a bath with epsom salts. I like ones with lavendar for the scent and feel great when I have a warm bath
Epsom Salts
 
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you know, something I find great joy is a cup of hot chocolate. This can be in expensive and a great way to slow down, be mindful and practice being more relaxed
Gourmet Hot Chocolate Packets & Hot Cocoa Mix
 
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I really like to promote adding vitamin D to those in darker climates at this time as this helps fight a bit of that SAD naturally. I take it daily and I have noticed a difference. Do not need name brand just good ole vitamin D
Vitamin D: Health & Personal Care
 
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I personally like chai the most in tea flavours but I like to switch it up from coffee to tea to be relaxing at home when I am feeling low
Chai - Tea: Grocery & Gourmet Food
 
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a nice scarf always makes me feel good and comfortable ! lots of places to purchase from that you can get a scarf but its the simple things right
Women's Scarves, Shawls & Ponchos – Shop Online in Canada