Thursday January 5th, 2023, 1:47 PM
In January, the days are slowly getting longer, but we still have to be patient until the end of winter. Is the cold and lack of light affecting your mood? You are not alone: about 15% of Canadians are affected each winter by what is called seasonal depression (Radio-Canada, 2021). Characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, loss of concentration and interest in daily activities, the winter blues can affect your ability to work. How can you combat seasonal depression at work?
Here are a few tips to help you get through the winter in good spirits.
Recognize the signs and prioritize your health: If you notice that you are experiencing symptoms of seasonal depression, don't ignore them. Make your mental health a priority on your to-do list. Don't overload yourself and be easy on yourself; it's normal for your productivity to be affected. If you can, put off big projects until later.
Work in a bright environment: Lack of light and vitamin D is one of the main causes of seasonal depression. Sit by a window and get as much sunlight as you can. At La Halte, we offer a very bright environment to work in, whether it is in our common areas, our closed offices or our open areas. If needed, get a light therapy lamp.
Socialize: The small interactions of everyday life can have a big impact on your mood. Take a coffee break with your colleagues and chat: by fighting isolation, you will improve your mood, concentration and memory. Coworking spaces such as La Halte allow you to meet new people and increase the amount of social interaction in your workday.
Stay active: Whether it's using active transportation to get to work or taking a walk to stretch your legs during the day, physical activity helps you fight anxiety and depression and increases your energy - even more so if you do it outside.
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