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Home › Articles › Mental Fitness › Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder

9 Things to Help Chase Away the Winter Blues

By Fiona Marshall

Pages:  1  2  

  • Sleep well, but less. Craving sleep is a symptom of SAD, but research shows that restricting excessive sleep can help boost mood and energy levels. Save sleeping in for one day a week. You may find waking up easier with an alarm clock that works by faking a dawn.
  • Watch sweets and alcohol. Research suggests that people with SAD process sugar differently in winter than in summer (or with light therapy). Cutting down on simple sugars can help stabilize your serotonin levels.
  • If you wear eyeglasses, remove them for at least 20 minutes and expose yourself to natural sunlight. Eyeglasses and especially sunglasses can block the entry of sunlight into the eyes and slow down its effects on the body.
  • Cut down on coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Several studies have linked depression with a high intake of caffeine. They show that depressed patients tend to consume fairly large amounts of caffeine. Try substituting herbal tea, decaf coffee or mineral water.
  • Write down your 10 best autumn and winter memories in a beautiful notebook to share with your friends and children. It may not be that the seasons are your enemy so much as a lack of light – and that can be tackled!

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