As a sufferer of seasonal affective disorder, I’ve had my fair share of feeling like I was at rock bottom. Seasonal affective disorder (yes, the abbreviation is SAD. Ha, ha) is a type of depression that relates to changes in season. I, like most people, start feeling drained around the fall and it carries through the winter time — lethargy, mood swings and the lack of motivation to do anything or see anyone. Living in New York, the cold weather and lack of light definitely play factors into it. Through trial and error, I’ve come up with the best ways for me to get through my darkest days, and I encourage others in my shoes to give it a shot.

Break your routines!

Often we feel that breaking our routines will only make things worse, escaping your comfort zone. But truly, it always has helped me to change my habits and often brings up my mood. What I mean by breaking my routines is instead of taking a shower at night, I’ll wake up early and take one in the morning. If I have time during the day, I’ll also take up a new hobby that I never would have conventionally thought of doing, like watching YouTube tutorials to improve my beat boxing (yes, I really did that!).

2. Work, work, work, work, work out.

To quote Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy! Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.” It’s a scientific fact that exercise releases endorphins in your body. These chemicals interact with the receptors in your brain, which actually can reduce your perception of pain. These same chemicals also get you in the positive feels, similar to that of morphine. I’m not trying to go all science on you here, because I don’t think the high I feel after working out is because of endorphins, but more because I got my lazy butt moving, and feel really healthy and good about myself.

3. Find new music.

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” —Victor Hugo

Music has always been a great way for me to listen to the words I’m unable to speak. If I had never gone and experimented with songs, I would never have discovered my love for the entire classical genre. But it doesn't have to be classical! Crank some Metallica! Do you! At the end of the day, sometimes it just helps to lock yourself into your room and belt out a song as loud as you can without caring how you sound or what song it even is. It can be a great release, and it’s always good to find new music to be able to do this with.

4. When in doubt, write it out!

Some of my best written pieces came out of my most darkest times. Whether I was angry, lonely, mourning, depressed or had a great day, I am always writing. I like to go back and read my old poems and writings to see how far I’ve come. I also tend to block things out, especially if it was an experience I wasn't particularly happy with. I've learned that this is the worst possible thing I could be doing from a recovery standpoint, so it helps to be able to write out the things that have bothered me the most. Then I can read over them, and over time it doesn't seem so bad anymore. I'm able to face things I never thought I could face. There’s truly nothing more rewarding.