It starts every year right about now. The clocks fall back on Sunday, Election Day is Tuesday, the Halloween candy is already in the house, and Thanksgiving, the holidays, and New Year’s are lined up right behind them. I’m writing this between packing boxes. I’m moving this week, so my own seasonal stress came early this year!
I call it Seasonal Stress Disorder. You won’t find it in a medical book, but I bet you know exactly what I mean.
What Seasonal Stress Looks Like
- The news. Whichever way you lean, election season keeps everyone on edge, and it’s hard to put the phone down.
- The food. Halloween candy, Thanksgiving dinner, holiday parties, and cookies at every office and family gathering.
- The calendar. Travel, shopping, family plans, and less free time than any other part of the year.
- The dark. After Sunday, it’s dark by 5:00, and it’s easy to skip a walk or a workout.
None of these is a problem on its own. Stacked together for two months, they wear people down. The good news is that a few simple habits go a long way.
Six Ways to Get Through the Season Strong
1. Move every day, even if it’s short. A 20-minute walk counts. Exercise is still the best stress reliever I know after more than 40 years of coaching.
2. Get outside in the morning light. With shorter days, morning sunlight matters more than ever. Here in Albuquerque, we’re lucky to have sunshine almost all winter, so use it.
3. Protect your sleep. Keep the same bedtime and wake-up time, even when the clocks change and the calendar fills up. Sleep is when your body recovers from stress.
4. Give the news a time limit. Stay informed, then turn it off. Your blood pressure will thank you.
5. Enjoy the food without the all-or-nothing thinking. Have the pie. Then get back to your normal meals the next day. One meal doesn’t undo a year of good habits, and one meal doesn’t make them either.
6. Stay connected. Stress feels heavier when you carry it alone. Call a friend, walk with a neighbor, or check in with a group that keeps you moving.
A Quick Word About the Winter Blues
Seasonal Stress Disorder is my playful name for a busy season. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real condition linked to shorter days, and it’s treatable. If low mood or low energy lasts more than a couple of weeks or gets in the way of daily life, please talk with your doctor.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Between now and New Year’s, I’ll be sharing how I stay active through the season. Come along in We Are Born to Run, my free coaching group on Facebook, and tell me what stresses you most this time of year. And if you’re looking for a program to keep you on track through the holidays, see the programs and offers I recommend.
Here’s to getting through the season stronger than you started it.
Coach Rich
Rich Dafter is the founder of HowToBeFit.com, a lifelong runner, former ACE Certified Personal Trainer, BODi Coach since 2007, and Polar athlete and brand ambassador for 40 years. At 75, he continues to run, hike, strength train, and share practical strategies for fitness, strength, nutrition, longevity, and more. Learn more about Rich Dafter on the About page.
