Seasonal sadness can affect all of us, and there are chemical reasons why a lack of sunlight can lead to increased feelings of depression and anxiety. Although this should be taken seriously, there are some things we can do to reduce levels of seasonal-related depression. Check out these activities which can be done as a family—there’s plenty of evidence that spending quality time with loved ones is one of the best ways to reduce sadness and worry.
Go for a Walk
We all know that exercise and spending time outdoors are good for us, but sometimes it can be hard to work up the motivation. Plan a family walk to ensure you all get some time outside, and you can make it fun as a family—splash through puddles and dance in the rain, a little water never hurt anyone!
Cozy Up With a Book
Why not read a great book together? Although this may be trickier if there’s a big age range in your family, classics like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings prove popular with younger kids and adults alike. On a cold winter’s evening, there’s nothing better than cozying up around the fire and listening to a great story.
Get Baking
Winter really does feel like the perfect time of year to practice those baking skills. Get younger children to help with important activities like measuring and decorating, whilst older children can have a go at whipping up their own creations. The best part about baking is tasting the finished results, so get everybody together so they can appreciate the hard work.