Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD (I know), is a real thing, and most people feel the effects of it without even realizing it. You don’t need a legitimate diagnosis to notice that you’re a little “off” in the colder months; here are some ways to get around the bullshitty feelings that may be keeping you from writing/playing/practicing/creating.
GO OUTSIDE. No, really. SAD is said to be caused by a lessening of sunlight and a decrease in the vitamin D you get. So take a walk. Sit somewhere for a while with a notebook and pen. It’s good for you.
ACHIEVE A BETTER BALANCE WITH YOUR INTERNET USE. Don’t allow yourself to get sucked into the weird section of YouTube, or spend hours on your couch refreshing the same three apps waiting for new stuff in your newsfeed or new likes on your selfies. The internet can be a helpful source of inspiration at times like this, but it can also squash your productivity completely.
TALK TO SOMEONE. You’re absolutely definitely not alone in this; go out with friends. Spend an hour or two on the phone with someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Reaching out to other people is extremely important, and not just when you’re feeling miserable for seemingly no reason.
GET OUT. Alone, if you have to. Go to a show or a movie or an art gallery. Do, see, and touch things that will inspire you. Pick something new up from the record store. Try a new ice cream flavor. Experience is everything, so experience everything. Ya know?
YOU DON’T HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOURSELF ALL THE TIME. Sometimes, your mind is just full of shit. It happens to everyone. Try not to get so stuck in your own head. I know it’s easier said than done, but it is doable. I promise.
TAKE A BREAK WHEN YOU NEED TO. Obviously it’s important to continuously push yourself to work, but knowing when to quit for a bit is equally as important and necessary. Wearing yourself out won’t help anything, it’ll only make you feel worse and make getting things done all the more difficult.
START A 365 PROJECT. You don’t even have to be annoying about it! Just write a piece a day, pick up your instrument once a day, etc. You don’t need to keep up with it for the entire year, but it can help you get through the slump you’re in and keep you working/motivated. The writing doesn’t need to be amazing, it just needs to be written.
If all else fails, you can hire me to yell at you every now and then and make you get your ass creating. I work for cheap. Get in touch. www.facebook.com/medioxcore
