Seasonal Affective Disorder: Some Ways to Combat Those Winter Blues

Yes, it’s that time of year again, time for shorter days and longer periods of darkness in our days. Many people get down in the dumps just thinking of it.   If this thought scares you or you have depression like symptoms in the winter months you may have SAD – seasonal affective disorder. SAD is a type of depression that hits when days become shorter. For some people it may be no more than a slight case of wintertime blues. But others can find SAD to be severe and affect the quality of life one is used to.  Some common symptoms of SAD include changes to sleeping patters, craving carbohydrates, avoiding social interactions, and other symptoms that often occur with depression.

Of course these days there is a way to cure most things by visiting a doctor and by all means, if you suffer from depression or SAD you definitely should see a medical professional to be sure there is no underlying issue. A doctor may offer suggestions for treatment, including light therapy and/or medication depending on the severity. I am here to offer some natural methods for combating those winter blues and help you get through those dreary months of winter, may be even take advantage of the extra time indoors!

•  Let us first take a look at light therapy. This may also be recommended by a medical professional as the warm, bright light from a dawn simulator can make you feel relaxed, refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Some day the main cause of seasonal affective disorder is the lack of sunlight on our bodies and the decrease in light that occurs with the change in season. When you work all day the option of natural sunlight in the winter months is tough to find. A dawn simulator or light therapy clock that gives off a simulated sun but still provides warmth and light may be just the answer.   The light will stimulate the biochemical activity in your brain to help regulate a variety of systems. The Sun Alarm Ultima has been very popular in providing this dawn simulating affect at your wake up. Not only does this wake you up naturally, you will be amazed at how much more refreshed you feel not having a loud beeping alarm clock in your ear! 
• Indoor fountains are another product that can help alleviate some of the feelings of anxiety, winter blues etc. The relaxing sounds of a water fountain an excellent soothing background noise that can help relieve anxiety or help you fall asleep.  You will be amazed at how even a smaller tabletop style water fountain will bring beauty and joy into your life. Water fountains have many benefits such as stress relief, calming background noise, air humidifiers, pet drinking source and releasing negative ions. This could be just the ticket to bringing something into your home that you enjoy relaxing by each and every day.
• Another common symptom of SAD is lethargy. You can’t seem to get motivated to do anything and you spend your time sitting around. These feelings are triggered by the lack of serotonin in the brain. Believe it or not, serotonin can be produced naturally by physical activity.  A little exercise each day will help you relax and take your mind off what stresses you out. Fighting stress during the winter months is important. SAD can affect your ability to handle stress well. Make exercise part of your daily routine and you are sure to notice a difference!
• Having a good diet is one of the keys to combating those winter blues. It all goes hand in hand. A lack of Vitamin D, which we get from the sun, can cause feelings of lethargy which can cause us to crave bad foods which leave us with no energy. It all goes together! Be sure you eat a balanced diet and get plenty of vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits and vegetables can provide your body with the tools you need to stay healthy and combat those symptoms of Depression and SAD. 

SAD and depression is not fun but there are ways to make those feelings go away and things you can do to combat these symptoms to have a worry free, relaxed winter season and get the most out of it. I would recommend starting with your wake up and trying the Sun Alarm Ultima, natural awakening alarm clock. Even those that aren’t sufferers of the winter blues love this clock all year long!