Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a condition that affects many people during the winter months. Even if you manage to avoid this disorder, you may still feel the winter blues. The colder, shorter days can cause anyone to experience the blues.
It is important for you to take note of your feelings during the winter months. The winter blues do not have to be an inevitable part of the winter. There are a number of things that you can do to make yourself happier.
Get Light Therapy
Some experts believe that the reason some people suffer from the winter blues is because of a lack of light. The lack of sunlight can throw off your body’s internal clock. There are special types of lamps that you can use to get light therapy. You can use them in your home and in the office.
You should talk to your doctor before you try light therapy. Your doctor may be able to tell you about the right type of lamp to use.
Make Some Plans
You can boost your mood by making plans. Your plans do not have to be big. For example, you can make plans to have lunch with your friends. Even if you are having a gloomy day, having something to look forward to can make it better.
Exercise
There have been many studies done to confirm that there is a link between exercise and mood. You may not feel like exercising outside if the weather is 30 degrees. However, there are several ways that you can get indoor exercise. For example, you can run on the treadmill. You can also take an indoor yoga or boxing class.
Go on a Vacation
If you miss the sunshine, then you may want to consider taking a vacation to a sunny place. A vacation will benefit you even after the trip is over. You will be able to have happy memories that you can look back on.
Surround Yourself with The People You Love
You need to surround yourself with the people you love when you are feeling down in the dumps. Your family members and friends can boost your spirits. If you cannot see them face to face, then you should consider calling them or video-chatting them.
Stock Up on Vitamin D
Your vitamin D levels are lower during the winter because of the lack of sunlight. You can take vitamin D in the form of supplement. There are also foods that have vitamin D including beef, egg yolks and salmon.
Reach Out to a Therapist
If you are unable to fight the blues on your own, then you should reach out to a therapist. Your therapist can help you change your negative thinking pattern. They can also identify the underlying issues that led to your depression.
About Talkspace
Talkspace is a company that makes therapy accessible and affordable to everyone. It is an online therapy provider. People will be able to have access to therapists around-the-clock. The convenience is one of the reasons that there have been so many positive Talkspace reviews.
There are a variety of ways that people can communicate with their therapist. They can text them, talk to them on the phone or video chat with them for a low weekly price. The affordability is another reason that there have been a lot of positive Talkspace reviews.