HARTFORD, Conn. — Before Christmas, holiday excitement is high. People are happy to spend time with family, spread cheer and enjoy December. But once the Christmas trees are at the curb, all the presents are unwrapped and the New Year has been toasted, the winter blues settle in.
Connecticut is among the states most likely to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, according to experts at MattressNextDay. The state ranks 8th in the country to experience the worst of SAD. Alaska ranked No. 1 followed by New York, Washington, Vermont and Michigan.
However there is hope. One of the ways you can combat SAD is to brighten up your home. Combined with things such as light therapy, exercise, sleep and a balanced diet, decorating to combat SAD can cheer you up.
Kellie Burke, of Kellie Burke Interiors in West Hartford, Conn., said there are a few different ways people can design their homes to help battle winter depression.
“Home is absolutely about all four senses,” Burke said. “Make sure you have a beautiful place to be mindful. Meditation is the key to a brighter day. Find a little nook in your home and place a yogi mat, a sound bowl and lighting. Invite yourself to your own mindful retreat.”
Personalize your space and really make it yours. If the space is bland, you won’t feel very in touch with your home. A cozier, more familiar space will bring comfort. You can also focus on decluttering and cleaning your space. When a space is dirty and chaotic, it will tend to make you feel worse.
Think about color. Brighter, happier colors such as yellows, light blue, orange or sage green will tend to make you feel better than dark, moody colors.
Burke also suggests placing lots of plants around your home to bring the outside in. These natural items help remind you of spring and summertime when foliage is green and healthy. This uplifts your mood.
Consider lighting around your home. If your home is consistently dark, you won’t feel very good when it’s 5 p.m. and already dark outside. Be strategic about lamps and lighting sources so you don’t focus so much on the gloom outside.
Dimmable lights are an easy way to adjust your home in any season. Make sure to not use too much low light. Low lights can bring down your mood. Try using white light for your LED bulbs. It mimics natural light a bit better than the yellow tones.
Use candles or other scents to trick your brain. When you step into a home and it smells like apple pie, what does that make you think of? Probably not the cold and gross slush outside.
Another important aspect of the five senses is music. Burke said a good track of upbeat music will help elevate your spirit.
Lastly, create a place of rest in your bedroom. Use beautiful bedding to be inviting for cozy sleep. This will help you rejuvenate and feel better about starting the next day.
