Beating the Blues
October is the beginning of the cold and gray winter months. As the days get shorter, be aware of any symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a condition that causes individuals to experience depression based on season, usually in the darker, colder times of year. As the winter months arrive, be aware of these common symptoms of SAD:
* Depression
* Social withdrawal
* Sleeping more or oversleeping
* Being less productive at work
* Having less energy for fun, including sex
* Feeling blue for no particular reason
* Eating more
* Difficulty concentrating and processing information
Here are some steps you can take to combat SAD:
* Maximize your sunlight! Keep the blinds and curtains open. Do your work near a window. If you work in an office, ask to move close to some natural light.
* Maximize your sunlight, part two! Get outside as much as you can – lunch, long walks, and outside exercise are excellent ways to get outside during the winter.
* Brighten your living space. Bright-colored walls, bedding, and upholstery can energize a space and create a vibrant ambience and mood.
* Practice self-care. Exercising regularly, getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, spending enough time with friends, and effectively managing stress can be difficult things to do, but they’ll help a lot.
* Light therapy, under the supervision of a doctor, can be very effective in limiting the affects of SAD.
* Go on a vacation! Give yourself a break from the gloom and go someplace warm!