Friends are fueling me through these cold, busy months

The last couple months of the year always feel go-go-go, and yet the weather outside makes me feel like staying inside instead.

From holiday shopping to end-of-the year appointments, there's a bunch of stuff to get done that takes a lot of energy.

Luckily, making plans to see friends has made the drudge outside to run errands a lot more enjoyable.

It hasn't gotten too cold yet in New York City so getting to catch-up with friends over a nice meal has been an amazing energy boost.

I'm also looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. Not only will the break be great to recharge, but it's already warming my heart that I'll get to share it with loved ones.

Although it was too complicated for my family to get together this year due to the pandemic, my girlfriend and I are hosting a small Friendsgiving with another friend of ours. Three is a party, right? I already know we're going to have a blast, and eat great food!

Bracing for the winter blues? You're not alone.

The days are getting shorter and the months are getting colder, which means some are already bracing for an unwelcome holiday hindrance: seasonal depression. 

Seasonal depression, more medically known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can be defined as "depression or depressive episodes that happen during specific times a year, primarily in the fall and winter," according to Dr. Steven Powell, psychiatrist for telehealth platform Hims & Hers.

Sydney Daniello from Arlington, Virginia, started bracing for SAD back in September. The 23-year-old has been dealing with "significant changes" to her mood around this time of year since her early teens, even before she knew what seasonal depression was.

In addition to mood changes, she also notices behavioral changes.

"As it starts to actually hit me, it's hard to not isolate," she explains. "It's harder to just get to the grocery store."

Seasonal affective disorder mimics the symptoms of depression, Powell explains.

"So people will have the classic symptoms including low energy, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, people feel sluggish or agitated or sleepy, they will oversleep," he says. "Oftentimes, hopelessness and even thoughts of self harm, all come into play."

Luckily, there are some things you can do to prevent SAD if you're bracing for it.

The best way to prevent it is to prepare for it, says Powell.

"If you know that you're prone to this, preparing to make sure that you find ways to get as much outdoor exposure as you can will be very important," he says.

To read the full article, which includes more tips on how to prevent SAD, click here.

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Today's pet

Meet Cindy.

"Cindy always reminds us that you always need a break," writes owner Mark Barvian. "A good game of soccer keep away is her favorite five minutes of fresh air and movement."