If you’re not a Stark (or a Snow), and you didn’t swear an oath to be a man of the night’s watch, you’re already in better shape this winter than Jon Snow was when he learned “Winter is Coming.” However, just because you don’t live in Westeros doesn’t mean you’re immune to the gloominess of winter.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression many people suffer from at this time of year. Symptoms of SAD include reduced energy, oversleeping, intense carb and sugar cravings, weight gain, sadness, and avoidance of social situations. Sound familiar? It’s okay.
Partha’s RX for Fighting Winter Blues
1. Get As Much Exposure to Sunlight as Possible
Seasonal Affective Disorder is pervasive in Michigan due to our short winter days and extended periods with little sunlight. If you’re ready to say “no” to SAD, you must get as much exposure to sunlight as possible. Open the blinds and curtains, sit by the window, and you can even trim back tree branches to get more natural light.
Stimulated sunlight bulbs are great. They help stimulate your body’s natural energy enhancers without exposing you to harmful UV rays.
2. Simulate Dawn
A dawn simulator could be a game-changer for people experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder. The device gradually causes the lights in your bedroom to brighten over a set period. It serves as an antidepressant and can make it easier to get out of bed in the morning.
3. Stay Active β Get Outdoors
You can raise your serotonin levels by staying active. Serotonin helps relay messages from one area of the brain to another. It helps brain cells related to mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behavior. Try going for a walk when the sun is out. Spending time outdoors can improve focus and reduce stress.
4. Eat Healthily β Take Vitamin D
Food is medicine. What you put into your body directly relates to how your body functions and feels. During the winter months, it’s tough to get enough Vitamin D because your body typically produces Vitamin D through direct exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for bones and teeth’s normal growth and development and provides resistance to diseases. A little bit of the sun can go a long way β even just ten minutes in the sun can boost Vitamin D production. Take a multivitamin high in Vitamin D to be safe this year.
5. Plan a Vacation
Yes, plan a vacation. The simple act of planning a sunny vacation can cause a significant increase in overall happiness. You don’t have to take the vacation right away, but begin planting the seeds of positivity and watch happiness grow.
You canΒ surviveΒ the brutal winter months. Be serious about your health and happiness, and try these simple tips out if you think you could be suffering from SAD.
