The colder months of the year are thought to be the ones to bring about depression in some people. With the sun coming out less and the skies appearing gloomy, you may find yourself unmotivated and your body may fall out of sync due to the loss of natural sunlight. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition that can happen to people especially during the late fall and winter months due to more inclement and cold weather.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, SAD affects 5 percent of adults in the United States during 40 percent of the year. While many people think they are experiencing the “winter blues”, they are really developing symptoms of a Seasonal Affective Disorder that can create discomfort if not treated. You may find yourself gaining weight, sleeping all day, uninterested in normal activities due to extreme fatigue, and of course, sadness and depressed mood. If you have found yourself suffering instead of enjoying the winter months, there are some steps you can take to allow yourself to live life to the fullest like you were meant to.
Prepare
When you know you have depressive tendencies, you need to formulate a plan so that when you feel down, you can get into action rather than crawl into your bed because you do not know your next indicated step will be. Not reaching for some tools could leave you to hibernate this winter instead of being in the presence of others.
Exercise
The last thing you probably want to do is perform any kind of physical activity. You may think that you need to get to the gym for exercise, but you have more options than you realize. Snow and sleet could keep you inside although there are physical activities you can do inside. There are tons of videos for exercise on YouTube for free, ranging from yoga to insanity workouts. On good weather days, you can bundle up and go for a run, or a brisk walk, to get your endorphins flowing.
Lighten Up
Find ways to add some light to your space. Make sure blinds and window treatments are open during the times the sun would be out. Add LED lighting in your house to brighten up the room. You can also buy a lightbox that is used especially to treat the symptoms of SAD. Look for a spot to place your lightbox that can make the biggest difference in your environment to help improve your mood.
There is no need to let your Seasonal Affective Disorder get the best of you. Use some of these tools to help you get through the winter and come out into spring ready to take on the world.
Offering a full range of recovery and mental health services, Detox Center of Colorado offers “Expanded Recovery” to enrich our clients’ lives in mind, body, and spirit. Through evidence-based therapy options and the endless adventure of Colorado, Detox Center of Colorado fosters connection, encouraging clients to get connected to themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. With the power of recovery, clients are restored to full health and experience life-changing healing. Call us today for more information: 303-536-5463
