Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of seasonal depression that primarily affects people during the fall and winter months when there’s less daylight. About 5% of US adults are affected by SAD and around 20% have a mild form of it, known as the winter blues. Since it is starting to get colder here in Cortland, keep reading for 5 tips to help beat the winter blues this year.
- Stay Active
A good way to help beat seasonal depression is by staying active. By either going on a short walk or doing a full body workout, any exercise is great for coping with the winter blues. Physical activity prompts the release of endorphins, which act as natural mood elevators. Exercise can also boost energy levels and provide a distraction from negative thoughts and feelings.
- Vitamin D
Many people who have Seasonal Affective Disorder also have vitamin D deficiency. For some, nutritional vitamin D supplements can help improve their symptoms. Vitamin D, also referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is produced when we are exposed to sunlight. So, during the darker fall and winter months our body’s natural production of vitamin D is disrupted by receiving less sunlight exposure.
- Keep warm
It is important to stay warm during these cold months. Cold temperatures can have a direct impact on one’s mood. For some, being exposed to cold weather can increase symptoms of sadness and discomfort. Also, cold weather can cause muscle tension and stiffness, which are physical symptoms associated with stress and depression. Layering up and wearing warm clothes is a great way to keep warm during these dark fall and winter months.
- Stay in touch with others
Staying in touch with others is a great way to help combat symptoms of the winter blues. Maintaining connections with family and friends can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. Seasonal depression is also linked with isolation and withdrawal from social interactions. By regularly contacting others can counteract this by providing a sense of connection and reducing feelings of loneliness.
- Light therapy
Light therapy addresses the primary cause of this condition, which is light deprivation during the darker months. Light therapy is an exposure to artificial light that mimics natural sunlight which helps regulate the body’s internal clock. This type of therapy is very convenient because it can be done at home. Click here to view the bestselling therapy light on Amazon.
These are 5 tips to help combat symptoms of the winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder this year. Remember, these tips will work differently for each person, so it is important to find what works best for you.