Winter can be a difficult time for many people, but especially those who live with Seasonal Affective Disorder. This time of year can mean more than just dealing with the winter doldrums and a yearning for sunshine and warmer temperatures. For many people, the symptoms of depression and anxiety worsen during the winter months.

For those who find the winter profoundly depressing, it is important to remember to practice good self-care. Sometimes, remembering what it was like to be a kid playing in the snow can help. Other times, it might be good to escape to a nearby conservatory for some warmth and greenery.

Here’s a short list of ideas you might find helpful to manage the winter months:

• Wrap yourself up with a cozy blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.

• Light a fire in the fireplace and simply gaze into the fire.

• Listen to a favorite Christmas CD.

• Pop up some popcorn and watch a beloved Christmas special or movie.

• Drive or walk around and look at holiday light displays in your neighborhood.

• Give yourself a holiday-themed manicure or pedicure.

• Make yourself a mug of tea and simply watch the snow fall.

• Put on some relaxing music and practice yoga or other indoor exercise.

• Bundle up and take a walk through the snow either by yourself or with a loved one. Remember what it was like to be a kid playing in the snow.

• Make a snow fort and have a snowball fight with your family. Follow it with mugs of steaming hot cocoa.

• Build a snow man complete with eyes, nose, arms and scarf.

• Visit the Oak Park Conservatory or Garfield Conservatory (Garfield is free!).

• Bake some Christmas cookies for yourself, a friend or deliver them to a homeless shelter.

• Remember to stay hydrated.

• Take up a winter sport such as skiing, snow shoeing or snowboarding.

Taking care of yourself during winter is important, especially for those who struggle with this season. It always is good to remember, too, that winter will come to an end, the flowers will bloom again and the sun will shine.