How to Deal with the Winter Blues: What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
The winter blues or “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (SAD) is a common disorder characterized by sadness during the winter months, accompanied by sleeping issues and depression. If you start feeling sad without any reason as soon as winter kicks in, you’re likely suffering from winter blues or SAD.
Here are some effective tips for dealing with the winter blues.
Exercise Regularly
Don’t underestimate the mental health benefits of exercising. It releases endorphins and dopamine, which help you feel happy and motivated. And it’s okay if you’re not a fitness enthusiast. A long walk or a few minutes of jogging is enough to uplift your mood and get rid of those sadness symptoms.
Eat Healthy Food
Changing your food habits can go a long way in boosting your mood. Unhealthy foods like refined carbs, processed snacks, and sugary dishes cause depression. In contrast, healthy foods containing proteins, vitamins, and minerals, improve moods and make you feel motivated and energetic.
Get Natural Light
Another underrated way to boost your mood is getting natural light. Sunlight is powerful. It’s a rich source of vitamin D and is linked to brain health and mood. Getting some sunlight every day will help you feel a lot better. However, be cautious of spending too much time under the sun if you have skin issues. Also, apply sunscreen if you plan to stay under the sun for long hours.
Avoid Consuming Too Much Unnecessary Information
Cold weather means extra time indoors, which means extra screen time. If you spend too much time watching the news, you may come across a lot of bad things happening in the world, which will make you sad.
The same goes for spending too much time on social media. If you spend a lot of time on Instagram, you’ll see everyone enjoying and having a great time, which will make you depressed.
So, reduce your screen time. And if you must spend time on your phone, watch or listen to something that boosts your mood.
Get in Touch with Humans
If you spend all the day alone in your home, your depression symptoms will exacerbate. As humans, we are built to socialize. So, meet your friends, family members, and other loved ones. The more you interact with people, the better you will feel. Also, talk to your loved ones about your winter blues, and they might even help you out.
Consider Professional Help
Lastly, consider professional help if needed. If you think your condition is worsening and interfering with your daily life, it could be an indication of something serious. In such cases, it’s better to let a professional take charge.
Final Thoughts
Winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common psychological disorder that causes depression-like symptoms in the winter months. The problem is temporary but could develop into a more severe issue if left unaddressed. Therefore, it’s essential to identify this problem and proactively tackle it using the techniques discussed above. If you need more help, get in touch with a psychotherapist and get expert assistance.
