Winning The Battle Against Seasonal Affective Disorder
Many people suffer from the winter blues, which is also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It essentially means that when you don't get enough light and sunshine, it can have a depressive effect on your mental, emotional, and physical state. Fortunately, there are tips and tricks for fighting these blues and making it through to a warmer spring. Haute Green Tea explains how.
Supplement Access to Light
If sunshine is in short supply where you live, Good Housekeeping recommends a number of lamps that will help deliver light therapy and replace some of what you're missing. Even in darker parts of the country, the sun does come out on occasion in the winter, and that's when it's a good time to get outside and soak it in.
You can increase the natural light in your surroundings by positioning mirrors on walls opposite windows. Painting rooms a lighter, brighter color can also make your home feel less gloomy, as can adding skylights.
Make Your Home Healthy
To ensure you stay healthy at home, look for ways to optimize your environment. Take time to declutter thoroughly, which can help eliminate dust and cobwebs. Make a point to clean from top to bottom, even in the nooks and crannies. Once your home is clean, change up your decor and add potted plants.
Be mindful of your air quality too. Change your furnace filter regularly, and invest in an air purifier if you suffer from year-round allergies. If you use a wood-burning fireplace, take steps to have your chimney professionally cleaned. A quick search for chimney cleaners in my area can point you toward licensed experts who can remove any soot and debris that are contributing to indoor pollution. Consider this also a step toward safety to avoid any risks of fire.
Find Things to Look Forward To
Another way to fight the winter blues is to have a set schedule during the day and fill it up with things that you look forward to. If you’re part of a couple, come up with some fun indoor date night ideas. If you prefer solo activities, consider journaling, crafting or making art, working with puzzles, and more.
Seek Help
If you find yourself overwhelmed by sadness or are finding it difficult to cope, the National Institute on Mental Health recommends reaching out to your doctor as soon as possible. SAD is a form of depression, and there are many different ways to manage the condition, either via medicine or therapeutic approaches. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Take Care of Yourself
Finally, the food we put into our bodies affects how we feel, so maintaining healthy eating habits during the winter months can help ensure you're doing everything possible to take good care of yourself. Get adequate physical activity, whether that’s indoors or outside. Eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Get enough sleep and stay hydrated with filtered water.
Even if you're stuck at home, you can still find wellness professionals through online job platforms who can help personalize your health, nutrition, and fitness routines. Be sure to weigh online reviews, availability, and cost before hiring anyone.