Is your mood negatively affected when the weather gets colder, damper, and sunlight become scarce? Starting in the fall and throughout the winter months, many may experience a mood shift characterized by fatigue, insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, and depression. Don’t let the blues rob you of your joy. Consider taking these suggestions:
- Get 10 minutes of sunlight.
- Natural Light: Getting outside to soak up the sun’s rays can improve your overall mood. If you can’t go out, sit directly in the natural light. Stay safe. Don’t forget your SPF.
- Therapy Light: For those long stretches of gray weather, consider a therapy light, which has a higher intensity than indoor lighting and mimics the bright, outdoor summer light.
- Some risks are associated with therapy lights, do your research to determine if this is an option.
- Get physical.
- Physical activities, like walking, jogging, yoga, weight lifting, etc., releases serotonin + endorphins.
- Who doesn’t like a natural release of feel goods? An accumulation of these hormones can positively impact one’s mood, sleep, appetite, and memory.
- Take your vitamins.
- Research has shown that Folic Acid, B-12 + Vitamin D, can help with feelings of fatigue and increase the body’s absorption of other necessary vitamins and minerals through the foods we eat.
- Talk therapy.
- You may have signs of a depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD occurs in climates where there is less sunlight at certain times of the year.
- SAD is more than just “winter blues,” symptoms can be distressing and interfere with one’s daily functioning.
- Medication.
- Antidepressants such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat SAD.