And when those blue snowflakes start fallin’
That’s when those blue memories start callin’
Have the earlier sunsets and colder weather made you feel sluggish or unmotivated? Are you finding less enjoyment in some of your favorite activities or hobbies? Do you feel sad or lonely more often even though your routine hasn’t changed? If so, you might have a case of the winter blues or may even be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
What’s the difference? The main difference between the winter blues and SAD is the severity of the symptoms you feel. A little bit of sadness, sluggishness, and fatigue is normal during the winter months and is likely a case of the winter blues. Perpetual sadness that lasts for days or weeks on end and impairs your ability to perform normal responsibilities could be a sign of SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a branch of depression that should be treated by a mental health professional.
Tips for treating:
Regardless of if you are suffering from the winter blues or SAD, here are some tips to help boost your mood during the dark and cold months: 1. Get as much sunlight as possible. Light therapy lamps can help if it is overcast or if you are cooped up in a dark office for a large portion of the day.
2. Exercise! Daily exercise is key to maintaining a positive mood when it’s cold and dark outside. Do whatever kind of exercise is most fun for you. It doesn’t have to be weight training and jumping jacks. You could dance, play with your kids or pets, go for a walk outside, or do some yoga.
3. Eat a proper diet. No, this doesn’t mean you have to skip all of the holiday goodies. But it does mean that you should try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains each day. Maintaining a healthy diet will help you feel more energetic and it will provide your immune system with the nutrients needed to fight off infections and sicknesses that are prevalent during the winter months.
4. Spend time with friends and family. It’s easy to want to isolate when you are feeling blue. However, participating in social activities is