Don’t Do Drugs, Do a Cold Plunge
Winter is upon us, and people are looking for ways to avoid becoming a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) victim. While drugs and alcohol are common coping mechanisms, it is important not to rely on them for happiness. Though for some people, they can offer short-term relief, in the long run, that is no way to sustain a positive mentality within a healthy lifestyle.
“Cold plunges provide a sustained rise in dopamine over three hours,” wrote the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association in their article, “Benefits of Ice Baths.” On the other hand, drugs like cocaine will only provide a rise in dopamine for 10-30 minutes.
Cold plunging has gone viral on the internet within the past two years, but its health benefits have been known for quite some time. Dating back to the fifth century B.C., cryotherapy has been used by athletes and adults for numerous health benefits.
Did you ever think that it could help you not be sad? Well, it can! And you don’t need a fancy tub to do a plunge. With it being sweater weather season, a dip in the ocean or pool can just as easily suffice and give you the same rise in dopamine.
However, cold plunging is just one of many ways to help uplift yourself in SAD season. Some other things that help keep your spirits high can include:
1. HappyLight Therapy Lamps and Boxes: Since winter has less sunlight than summer; the lack of vitamin D can bring you down. The HappyLight was developed to mimic sunlight since many people are missing out on the recommended amount we need. This might sound a little odd or unnecessary but let me say, IT WORKS! My mom gifted me a HappyLight for Christmas, and I actually thought to myself, “Mom, I wanted jeans; why the hell did you buy me a light?”
Nevertheless, I took it home and set it up in my bedroom. Then in the middle of January, when it rained in Boca Raton for almost two weeks straight, I was putting my HappyLight on every day and found myself calling my mom, saying, “I think this light is actually working and improving my mood.”
2. Cooking Cute Meals: I know this is not revolutionary; cooking for yourself is a normal part of life. But hear me out, making your meal look cute is a way to find joy in typically mundane tasks. Sometimes I will scoop my rice with the ice cream scooper to make it look like I am eating at a restaurant. For breakfast, I’ll put my eggs and avocado in a smiley face, or if I want to feel fancy, I’ll drink my water out of a wine glass. Making an aesthetically pleasing meal or using fancy cutlery can make you feel like you have your life put together, even if it seems like things are falling apart.
3. Wake-Up Walks: I love a hot girl walk as much as the next and will always advocate for them, but wake-up walks have recently been my newest thing. The key to them is to get out of your house within 30 minutes of when you first open your eyes. Ideally you would go on them before succumbing to the social media death scroll as well. Sometimes I will call my parents, but most of the time, happy alternative music will be playing in my headphones. Getting up, outside, and active sets you up for a day filled with high, happy energy.
Whether you take my tips or have your own solutions, know that you are not the only one feeling blue this winter. Find hope in the fact that spring flowers will be defrosting very, very soon. Plunge, get sunlight, cook, walk, and know that this, too, shall pass.
Strike Out,
Kendall Ann Clark
Boca Raton
Kendall Ann Clark is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca Raton. This 21-year-old girl is young and learning how to live. When she isn't writing or working at a local coffee shop, you can find Ken at the beach, reading, swimming, surfing, or at OBs. Follow Kendall on Instagram @kendallannwrites or connect with her through email kendallclark2020@fau.edu
