Winter blues are a real thing. Beginning in the fall and ends with winter, these darker months can make you feel moody, sap all your energy and have you reaching for all the comfort food. Resist falling into its funk and instead start adding these activities to your daily schedule to help you overcome seasonal depression (SAD) so you can remain sunny year round:
Light Therapy: You can buy SAD lightboxes that have special light bulbs that give off wavelengths that mimic sunshine. They have also developed Dawn Lights that work like your natural alarm clock gradually brightening your room as Dawn would. These lights have been shown to be as effective as antidepressants. Check with your doctor to find your perfect match.
Get Moving: When it comes to depression exercise is one of the best ways to reduce symptoms. Exercise can also help you reduces the chances of extra weight gain another symptom of seasonal depression. Try getting outside or hitting the gym to help you fight off SAD symptoms.
Vitamin and Herbal Remedies: Studies have shown that minerals and multivitamins that contain thiamin, vitamin B6, and vitamin D have been shown to boost one’s mood. Also, Saint John’s Wart has shown to help with depression. Before adding any of these to your diet make sure you consult a doctor.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils can influence parts of the brain that are connected to one’s mood and internal clock. Research has shown that certain essential oils such as ones from the poplar tree can help with depression.
Listen to Music: Turning on the music has been shown to help boost your mood helping to fight off anxiety and depression. So, turn up the music to help you stay out of your winter funk.
Be Proactive: It’s important to stay busy over the colder cloudy months to keep your mind off being sad. It can be helpful to plan activities that surround you with friends and loved ones who won’t let you shut yourself up in the house all winter long.
Practice Gratitude: Those who practice gratitude decrease levels of depression and increase happiness and well-being. There are a number of different gratitude practices you can engage in to help with SAD such as, savoring the good throughout the day, journaling three good things each day, and using your signature strengths.
Stick to a schedule: Some people with SAD have a hard time sleeping at night and getting up in the morning. Keeping to a regular schedule can help you improve your sleep and alleviate some of the SAD symptoms.
Journal: Research has shown that writing out your thoughts can positively impact your mood.
Talk to a professional: If you lack the motivation to do the normal activities that bring you joy and feel down for days at a time during the winter months it may be important to talk to a mental health professional. This could be your doctor or therapist.
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