Happy Spring everyone!
The change of seasons is probably a welcome one for all of us sick of the cold and snowy winters here. With the temperature rising, it opens up many doors for our clients to finally get out and enjoy the new season. Unfortunately, not all of our clients are in the positive mental state to truly get to enjoy all of the season on their own. So here are some activities we can do with clients that can help fight against some Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D) side effects.
Outdoor Activities
Taking a Walk
Whether it comes in the form of a stroll through a park, a tour around your neighborhood or taking your pet for a walk, being outside and moving has shown to improve mood, thanks to the increased endorphins that come from physical activity.
Getting Out to the Park
The park is an amazing way to get out of the house into the sun in a comfortable environment. Many cities also have bikes and walking paths at local parks and community centers you can use to your leisure, which is an excellent way to explore a new neighborhood with little expense.
Swimming
The beach or the pool can be an underrated spot, especially when it’s not summertime. Bring a book or some music along and spend a couple of hours swimming and relaxing in the sun. If the beach is inaccessible, see if your local community center has an outdoor swimming pool you can use.
Gardening
Working with plants, especially with your hands, has proved to lessen the severity of depression and S.A.D. It helps you focus and keeps your mind from drifting to unhappy and unhelpful thoughts. Plus, the final products provide a sense of pride. You can start with a couple of plants on your windowsill or in your backyard. You can also look into renting a plot to garden in or volunteer with community gardens.
Indoor Activities
Not all of our clients are outdoorsy people. Some would prefer a day inside, but there are many activities they can enjoy as well;
Cooking
Preparing a meal for yourself is an amazing way to keep busy, do something creative and have something delicious to eat at the end. Try easy and new recipes with clients or have them help prepare Lunch and dinner. If you prefer baking, whip up a pie or a batch of their favorite cookies.
Arts and Crafts
Creativity is an ideal way to express yourself, and it can help you do that even when you don’t intend to. Writing, pottery and sketching are some examples of creative outlets for depression. Paper crafts, like making cards, or needlework, like knitting or embroidery, help you focus on a detailed task that often requires your full attention, leaving little room for unhappy or harmful thoughts to take over.
Games
Video games and old-fashioned puzzles are fun activities for depression that help you refocus your mind and also stimulate it. Casual video gaming has shown to reduce stress and lessen symptoms of depression. Both video games and puzzles require you to use problem-solving skills, which is a way to exercise your creativity.
As much as we many want these to be catch-all’s for solving client’s depression and anxiety, they won’t be. We have to remember to work with clients and do activities at the chances they give us and give them time.