Beat the Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder Self-Care Activities in Metro Detroit

Seasonal Affective Disorder, better known as SAD (yes, you read that right) is a mental health disorder that is most prevalent during the cold weather months. Symptoms of SAD are most likely to occur in the months between fall and spring, when the temperatures are colder, and it is dark outside more frequently (sound familiar). Many people who have suffered from this disorder often complain of low energy levels, irritability, and oversleeping. Another common component of this disorder is social withdrawal, and a loss of pleasure or joy in things that typically bring us happiness. If you live in Michigan like myself, then sadly, you reside in a state that ranks among the worst in rates of SAD as the Detroit Free Press  reported a couple of years ago. 

That means Michiganders need to be extra vigilant during this season, and give additional attention to taking care of our brains and bodies. And even if you do not suffer from SAD directly, it is fairly common for many of us to experience a mid-winter funk. I have clients constantly reporting that this is the case for them during the colder months. So with that, as we head into the stretch run (hopefully) of winter, I wanted to do a little something different this week and provide a toolbox aimed at helping you get out of the house, and prime you to connect with others while taking care of your body and brain. Since I live and work in Metro Detroit, I have put together a self-care guide of places, and things to do in the area that can help us take care of ourselves during this time. Many of the ideas I’ll give are places that I often visit.

I also want to briefly note that I am in no way an influencer and have no personal affiliation with any of the places and businesses discussed in the article. I am simply sharing places I enjoy visiting with my friends and loved ones, and hope to share it with my community to give ideas to get unstuck during this time. With that, I hope this gives you a little inspiration to take care of yourself. Let me know what you think!

Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Royal Oak

The old saying “Laughter is Medicine” is something that I wholeheartedly believe in practice from both personal and professional experience. The Mayo Clinic notes many short and long term benefits from laughter including stimulating our organs, activating our stress response while promoting relaxation (short term), and improving our immune system, mood, and reducing pain (long term). One of my favorite places to catch a comedy show and allow myself a good laugh in Metro Detroit is at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. It is an intimate setting, and is fairly affordable. My friends and I make it a point to go here when we have a free night.

The Schvitz Health Club, Detroit

Heat therapy in the form of a sauna or steam room feels great, and offers many different health benefits, including improving blood flow and circulation, and lowers stress hormones. There is more research emerging on benefits that sauna use can provide, but there is early evidence that shows it can activate our parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and relaxation” part of our brain. On the contrary, cold therapy can be part of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skill “ACCEPTS” that I often teach to clients who are experiencing high rates of anxiety. By using cold therapy, it can create a competing sensation with the ongoing stress or anxiety, which can often lessen its impact on you and help provide relief in the short term. 

Though it is a bit pricey, I love going to the Schvitz, as I can do contrast therapy (going back and forth between hot and cold) with a sauna, steamroom, and a cold plunge. Additionally,it is a great place to spend time with friends!  Aside from the sauna, steam room, and cold plunge, the Scvitz also provides multiple rooms to lounge in, as well as a kitchen and dining room. There is space to hang out and relax if you come with others, and the food is awesome! Oftentimes, you will see groups of people playing cards, and hanging out for hours on end. I love going on Sunday evenings, as it provides me with a chance to reset my body going into the week, and I always sleep great after.

Find a Coffee Shop!

One of the main issues that can arise during the winter months is that we often do not leave our place of residence other than for necessities. This can particularly be the case for those who work from home. I can relate to this, as I am guilty of only leaving the house (if at all) to go to the gym or grocery store on days that I work remotely. Going to a coffee shop for a few hours can be an enjoyable change of scenery, and a cost effective option to socialize with friends, or get some work done. Which brings me to another point, this is often a time of year where we are financially reeling after the holidays, and lowering the cost on non-essentials is critical. It is totally feasible to spend less than ten dollars on a visit to a coffee shop, making it one of the lower cost options on this list. I practice what I preach here, as you can find me at a local coffee shop every Wednesday, often writing this blog, or getting other work done. Finding an additional setting to get work done outside of my home or this office has been a game changer for me as I find it easier to focus with less distractions. I also use coffee shops as a means to socialize with friends. I often meet up with a friend on weekend mornings at a local coffee shop to do just that. Some of my favorites in Metro Detroit include Daycap Coffee in Birmingham, Atomic Coffee in Royal Oak, Lucky Detroit in Royal Oak (though they have multiple locations), Ground Control Coffee Roasters in Farmington and Alba in Corktown.

Get Outside!

As stated in the previous section, the lack of leaving the house in the winter months can worsen our already lower energy state and lack of motivation. Metro Detroit has several Metro Parks that offer walking trails, cross country ski trails, and even in some cases, ice skating. On a day that the cold is more tolerable, these are great options to bundle up, and meet a friend for some movement. Some Metro Parks that I like include Huron Meadows, Stony Creek, and Kensington. 

Additionally, winter can be a great time to learn a new skill, which can increase our mood and even boost cognitive function. And in a winter state like Michigan, skiing or snowboarding is a great hobby to pick up, and a great social activity as well. In Metro Detroit, there are many different places to ski or snowboard, including Pine Knob, Mount Holly, Mount Brighton, and Alpine Valley.

Take a Class

Speaking of learning a new skill, taking any sort of class is a great way to do exactly that. And if you are seeking something less physical and more creative, taking a cooking class is another great way to connect with others, try something new, and get out of your comfort zone! Mirepoix cooking school in Royal Oak (located in the downtown Holiday Market) hosts lots of classes and events. While I haven’t attended one of these personally, they have outstanding reviews, and it is definitely on my to-do list! There are also many options to take different art or pottery classes locally if you prefer art over food. A great option is the Clawson Clay Guild, which offers weekly pottery classes. 

My hope is that these ideas inspire you to fight stagnation, and take care of yourself and connect with your loved ones during these winter months. Let us know what you want to try on our list, or other winter ideas in the area that we may have missed! 

Thanks for reading! Please contact us below for more.

248-238-8069

maxsturm@ascendtherapyllc.com

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/max-sturm-howell-mi/1150307

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