With days getting shorter, darkness setting in earlier, and it seeming like we’re finally nearing the end of an unprecedented year thanks to Covid-19, there’s a good likelihood that you’re feeling the effects of the winter blues.

What is SAD?

The term ‘winter blues’ actually refers to a documented psychological disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. Also known as seasonal depression, SAD can help make life feel harder during certain months of the year. If you suffer from this, you’ll likely notice your mood start changing in the fall each year and continuing through until the spring when it will often lift.

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

At Capstone Music Burlington, we recognize that the joy of playing music has helped our students, music teachers and entire community feel more connected and loved. With hopes COVID-19 coming to an end, we continue to safely deliver award-winning music lessons – including 1 on 1 online lessons. Let’s get through it together, with music!

Though the symptoms can vary greatly from one person to the next there are several things you might experience if you think you are suffering from SAD. While having one or two of these symptoms might not indicate a more serious issue, if you think you need help you should contact a therapist or doctor in your area to get help.

  • Difficulty maintaining weight, experiencing weight gain or loss
  • Lethargy and feelings of depression or hopelessness
  • Increased irritability
  • Feelings of social withdrawal and disinterest in doing anything
  • Losing interest in things you used to love
  • Changes in appetite- cravings to specific foods or adversities to things you used to love
  • Changes in your sleeping habits
  • Body aches and feeling like your limbs are heavy when you move around
  • Increased stress and anxiety
  • Reduced energy

Music can help improve winter blues

Music has been known to help many problems. From helping you prepare for a test to maintaining your memory as you age, music offers many positive benefits. It should come as no surprise then that music can even help prevent or improve the effects of the winter blues, or SAD. There are many ways to incorporate music into your life to help fend off these negative effects of winter.

Listening to music

You’ve likely already experienced the effects that listening to your favourite music can have on your mood. Hitting play on some upbeat or meaningful tunes can help you feel more uplifted and interested in the world around you.

Playing an instrument

If you play a musical instrument, picking it up when your mood is feeling low can help redirect your thoughts and allow you to focus on something other than your mood. When your mind is given the opportunity to focus on something new, you can more easily shake the negative symptoms associated with SAD.

Taking music lessons

If you don’t know how to play an instrument, are looking to learn a new one or are just feeling rusty and want some help brushing up on your skills, taking music lessons is a great way to shake those winter blues. Giving yourself a new skill to focus on can help improve your motivation each day, and give you something to celebrate when you master a new song. With lessons available both in person and online, you’ll have no trouble forcing yourself to be on time.

Joining a band

Getting together with a few friends to bond over your love of music and play a few songs together can be just the solution to coping with those pesky winter blues. Having a regular practice time to look forward to each week can help give you the strength and motivation to face each day.

Shake those winter blues – with music!

Incorporating music into your life can help you to ward off the negative effects that can come allow with SAD. With shorter days, colder weather and less time spent outdoors it’s only natural for your body to struggle to adjust. Playing music, singing along to the radio or joining a band can be the perfect solution to help you cope!