Cartoons, Calm & Coping: My Cold Weather Wellness Survival Kit
As the days get shorter and the colder seasons settle in, many of us will begin to feel the weight of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The shift in light, temperature, and routine can dysregulate our nervous systems, leaving us feeling heavy, tired, and disconnected. For me, I have learned that calming my nervous system requires both intentional strategies and comforting rituals.
My Personal Comfort Tools
When the world outside feels overwhelming, I often find myself reaching back into childhood nostalgia. Watching old Nickelodeon cartoons like Oswald, Little Bear, and Franklin provides a calm I cannot always find elsewhere. The simple storylines, soft animation, and gentle characters ground me. They remind me of a time when life felt less complicated, which soothes my nervous system in ways that even traditional coping skills sometimes can’t.
Additional Tips for Calming the Nervous System
Breathing & Grounding
Slow, intentional breathing can signal safety to the body. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for six. Pair it with grounding techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 method (noticing five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste).
Light Therapy
Investing in a light therapy lamp can help regulate circadian rhythms disrupted by shorter days. Just 20 minutes each morning can reduce SAD symptoms for many people.
Warm Drinks, Cold Routines
Balance the season’s chill with teas, soups, or broths. At the same time, use brief bursts of cold exposure (like splashing your face with cold water) to reset your nervous system.
Movement that Feels Good
This is not about punishing workouts. Gentle yoga, stretching, or even walking indoors can ease tension and regulate stress hormones.
Limit Overstimulation
Neurodivergent individuals often experience heightened sensory sensitivities. During the winter months, bright lights, loud environments, or crowded holiday gatherings can feel like too much. Protect your nervous system by setting boundaries and creating sensory-safe spaces at home.
Build a Comfort Toolkit
Keep items that sooth you within reach, such as a favorite blanket, calming music, fidget tools, or even a playlist of nostalgic shows. Preparing your environment before symptoms spike can make a world of difference.
A Gentle Reminder
Wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about honoring what your mind and body need in the moment. As colder days approach, give yourself permission to lean into softness, nostalgia, and practices that bring real calm. Your nervous system deserves care, and you deserve peace, even during the darker months.
