Rachel Gallagher, Senior
Have you been feeling sad and down since the holidays ended? If so, you are not alone. During the winter months it’s common for people to feel a little off at times. With the cold weather and lack of sunlight it’s easy to act despondent, and even have bad moods for no real reason. It is said that the changing of seasons disrupts hormones such as serotonin and melatonin, which regulate our mood and sleep. Therefore, there are scientific reasons that we feel this way, but they are preventable. There are many quick and easy ways to get around this struggle that many face every year. With just a few minor adjustments to your daily life, you can be feeling like your regular self in no time.
It is important to address that certain people suffer from seasonal-affective disorder, also known as SAD, which is a mood disorder characterized by depression that is very common in the United States. According to Everyday Health, “About 4 to 6 percent of U.S. residents suffer from SAD, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, and as many as 20 percent may have a mild form of it that starts when days get shorter and colder.” With these statistics, it is clear that the weather does in fact affect people’s mood. However, this article is merely to help the general public who suffer from a mild case of the “blues” during the winter time. Therefore, this article can help, but is in no way a professional treatment for those dealing with SAD. All in all, this list of five tips is guaranteed to turn your frown upside down, and put a stop to your winter gloom.
Exercise
Staying active is a great way to heighten your mood, and it can be done in various ways. Walking around your neighborhood, taking a yoga class, running on the treadmill, and stretching in the mornings are great examples of simple yet effective exercises. All are easy ways to brighten your day and relieve the negative energy brought from the weather.
Exposure to Sunlight
Exposure to natural sunlight is proven to alleviate symptoms that come along with the winter blues. When time allows, try to take at least 10 minutes during the day to spend some time outdoors in the fresh air. This remedy is most effective around 12 noon, which is when the sunshine is at its brightest. However, if the temperatures are too harsh, drawing some blinds and letting sunlight in through the windows will have the same affect. Whenever possible, try to put yourself in brighter and lighter environments to eliminate darkness.
Vacation Time
The power that a single vacation can have over your mood is incredible. This is why you will often see people travel to warmer climates, like Florida or California, during the winter months. Not only does a vacation switch up your daily routine, but it also acts as an escape from the forlorn weather you had been experiencing nonstop. Taking a nice calm walk on the beach with lots of sunshine will evidently lift your spirits.
Scheduling
Common struggles that people face in the winter time are gaining weight, falling asleep at night, and waking up in the morning. With setting a clear sleep schedule, you will be exposed to light at the same time everyday. This regulated light exposure will aid in the improvement of your sleep, by making you feel tired at night and refreshed in the morning. As far as weight is concerned, eating at specific intervals throughout the day will leave you satisfied after meals as opposed to feeling hungry 24/7. All in all, keeping your body on a strict schedule has many health benefits.
Keeping a Journal
Lastly, but certainly not least, is keeping a personal journal. Although this might seem cliche, it actually helps to alleviate unnecessary stress in your everyday life. By writing down your thoughts, you are simultaneously getting any negative energy off your chest and out of your system. Writing in your journal right before you go to bed allows you to reflect on the day and start with a clean slate the following morning.
While winter has only just begun, using these methods will have you feeling happy as a clam and forget about the cold, dreary weather outside. Just remember to stay positive, and the sunshine will be here before you know it!
“12 Ways to Ease Seasonal Depression Symptoms | Everyday Health.” Stroke Center - EverydayHealth.com, Ziff Davis, LLC, 5 June 2017, www.everydayhealth.com/depression/treatment/ways-to-ease-seasonal-depression/#keep-a-journal.
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