The 'season to be jolly' ! With Thanksgiving having passed us by everyone's focus turns toward Christmas. But along with the joys of the season, comes cold weather, fewer hours of daylight and, for some, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Those...
The 'season to be jolly' ! With Thanksgiving having passed us by everyone's focus turns toward Christmas. But along with the joys of the season, comes cold weather, fewer hours of daylight and, for some, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Those who have Seasonal Affective Disorder must push through, rather than have a joyous time during, the winter months.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the winter. Symptoms usually build up slowly in the late autumn and winter months.
There are, however, ways you can attempt to overcome or lessen the affects of seasonal affective disorder. Use these simple and natural remedies for your seasonal affective disorder treatment this winter.
Get More Vitamin D
Vitamin D is supplied to our bodies from the sunlight. With there being fewer daylight hours during winter you can supplement your body with Vitamin D in an attempt to provide your body with the same vitamin as the sun provides. Unfortunately few foods actually contain Vitamin D so your best bet is to get your daily dose from a multivitamin.
Artificial Light Therapy
Light therapy is helpful for people who don't get enough vitamin D. Light therapy is achieved by using special, very-bright (3,000-10,000 lux) lamp. This lamp or "light box" can help your body naturally create the vitamin D you need. The light can also ease the symptoms of depression.
Find Workouts and Activities You Enjoy
Finding a workout or physical activity that you enjoy is crucial during the doldrums of winter. Not only will you be doing something you enjoy, you will also be exercising which has been shown to lessen the effects of depression. If you are in rut and find yourself dreading heading out to the gym, run to the nearest sports store and pick up a set of snow shoes, go down-hill skiing or play ice hockey. Any type of physical activity is better than nothing!
Keep Regular Sleep Hours
Sleep - turns out this is important :) With the short daylight hours, you need to be up for the majority of the day. This means getting yourself on a routine where you are out of bed at or before sunrise and do not crawl back into bed until after the sun goes down.
Follow these 4 tips and seasonal affective disorder will not affect you!
