Do you sometimes feel down during wintertime? Does the bleak weather have an impact on your general well being? If you have been feeling a little low during the winter, putting on extra weight or having mood swings then you may have a condition called SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real condition caused by your circadian rhythm being out of line, with long bouts of terrible weather the cause.
If you think you may have SAD or are just not looking forward to the winter ahead then there are a number of things you can do to combat it. The first tip is to walk more in the mornings. Although there is less light during winter you still have some sunlight you can take advantage of in the morning. Try and walk in the mornings to increase your sun exposure and keep your body happy.
The second tip is to add more light to your indoor environment. Try and use natural light where possible by having your curtains open during the day but if that is not possible a lightbox may also help.
During wintertime, we all tend to hibernate a little more. We get home from work, have dinner, watch a movie and go to bed. It is important to socialize during winter time too though. It can help to lift your spirits. If you are feeling low, sharing your thoughts with others is a great way to beat the blues.
Vitamin D supplements are also a good idea to get the benefits of sunlight if there is no sunlight to be found. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor first before changing your medication or taking supplements
If all else fails, take a holiday. Sometimes the only way to beat the winter is by leaving the winter behind. Book a nice sun holiday for a week as a way for your body to reset and for you to relax.
