For some individuals, the change of seasons brings on a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder. Lethargy, changes in sleep patterns, overeating, moodiness, and additional symptoms often occur during fall and winter. Thankfully, you can take steps to lessen the impact of this condition. The following suggestions can help you restore your quality of life.
How to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder
1. Tend to Small Tasks
Depression can cause fatigue and leave you feeling unmotivated. To push past lethargy, try to fill your downtime with a series of small tasks or one big project to complete each day. For example, rearranging your closet will keep your mind occupied. You'll also be met with a feeling of accomplishment when your belongings are organized, and there's more storage space. You might notice that finishing one task leaves you more motivated to check another item off your to-do list.
2. Try Light Therapy
Winter's shorter days mean you aren't exposed to that much natural sunlight. Yet, sunlight helps your body make vitamin D, a nutrient essential in elevating the mood and fighting depression. To raise your vitamin D levels, you can increase your exposure to natural light during the winter months by sitting near a light therapy box. The devices emit light that simulates sunshine.
3. Start Exercising
Instead of abandoning your workout routine this winter, try to make adjustments to remain safe and comfortable during the colder months. Instead of running outside, jog around an indoor track or swim laps in a swimming pool. Aerobic exercise increases your stamina, keeps your heart healthy, and increases your mood because it helps your body release endorphins, hormones attributed to elevating mood.
