Here’s How You Can Fight The Winter Blues Caused By The Shorter Days

Been experiencing a dip in your mood off late? While it’s completely normal for you to feel this way as the day gets shorter and the weather gets chillier, at times it could signify a more serious disorder.?

If you’re suffering from consistent mood fluctuations because of the change in whether you could be having SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

abcnews.go.com

What is SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is actually a seasonal disorder which can mimic the symptoms of depression. It affects people during the late fall and winter months when less sunlight is available. It is believed that due to reduced sunlight, the body rhythm goes out-of-sync causing SAD.

How do you know when you are suffering from SAD?

lidy-health-center.com

Those suffering from depression year around tend to feel worse in winters. Here is are 7 symptoms of SAD:

1. Feeling irritable and stress, more than usual

2. Loss of interest in things you found enjoyable before

3. Difficulty concentrating

4. Loss of interest in social activities

5. Low energy

6. Feeling exhausted all the time

7. Sleeping too much

liilas.com

Thankfully, there are several ways to fight off the symptoms of SAD. Here are 7 ways in which you can fight the winter depression.

1. Wake up early

One significant way of battling SAD is to spend as much time as possible in the sunlight, waking up early is one way of doing so. Getting as much natural light as possible will surely help you fight those winter blues.

2. Don’t drink too much

Alcohol is a depressant. This simply means if you drink alcohol, it is more likely that you will feel low. As a rule of thumb, avoid binge drinking if you are suffering from SAD. Drinking is not going to help your body or mind in any way.

rebeccakim.com

3. Don’t spend all day inside your office

If you get a lunch break, use that to go outside your office and get some natural light. Being holed up inside your office does not do a whole lot of good to your mental health. Soaking up some sunshine with help in restoring mood and energy levels.

4. Try essential oils

A lot of people swear by the soothing and relaxing effects of lavender and grapefruit essential oils. Both these oils are known for relieving the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

fem.com

5. Meditation

Meditation will help you silence the chaos inside your mind. It will not only make you feel calm and collected but will also help you in making better decisions.

6. Maintain a proper sleep cycle

Not sleeping properly can wreak havoc on your mind as well as your body. Hence, it is essential that you maintain a strict sleeping schedule to ensure that your body stays in the rhythm. Avoid spending a lot of time on your smartphone before going to bed, as it tricks your brain into staying up.

themighty.com

7. Speak with your doctor

If you have tried changing your routine and inculcating healthy habits but your symptoms are getting severe, it might be the time to see a therapist. Speak with your doctor about taking antidepressants and all other options that you can try. When the therapeutic ways to fight SAD don’t work, it is advisable that you seek the help of a mental health professional who can guide you better.