As the seasons change, do you find that your mood often matches the dark days of winter? If yes, it’s possible you suffer from seasonal affective disorder. You may have picked up on some of the symptoms already. What is seasonal affective disorder? It’s an easily missed condition, but it’s also treatable. Read on to better understand the symptoms, and for viable and natural coping methods.
What are some seasonal affective disorder symptoms to look for?
If you seem to get the “winter blues,” it could be more than your imagination. As the days grow shorter, darker and colder, many people experience a decline in their perspective and energy levels.
Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, was first officially recognized in the 1980s. Symptoms appear to correlate with the reduction in daylight experienced during the months of winter, and can include things like lethargy, depression, and weight gain.
Other indicators you might suffer from SAD are trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, feelings of agitation, hopelessness, or guilt, and a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. Some people even experience thoughts of suicide.
While it may seem like a few less hours of sun wouldn’t weigh so heavily on your outlook, there is a biological reason it can occur. Sunlight impacts your mood because it helps your body release serotonin, which is a feel-good chemical. At the same time, without enough sun, your body produces more melatonin, which makes you feel sleepy, hence feeling lethargic in winter.
Taking steps to feel better.
There are plenty of ways to combat the doldrums of winter. For instance, try reducing levels of stress and fatigue with some health-oriented changes at home. Install some brighter lights, and add some plant life to your household. Do some decluttering, and take a look at the spaces where you spend a lot of time.
Sometimes your color scheme can impact your mood, so think about a palette that promotes positivity. Whether you choose to completely upgrade your space or just add some plants and throw pillows, adjusting your home base to enhance your mood is a great place to start.
If you aren’t noticing improvements after taking these steps, it may be time to speak with an experienced mental health professional.
Energize your days.
When your energy levels drop off, bringing them back up can seem challenging at best. Consider spending more time with your friends, and getting out and about more.
Spending time in the sun can help your body generate vitamin D and encourage serotonin production, and at most it takes just a half an hour per day to help produce enough vitamin D. Make sure your gut health is in good shape so you can absorb nutrition from your food. Consider keeping a journal, as it’s shown to help with self-awareness, creativity, and stress management.
And while it might feel like the last thing you want to do when you’re lethargic in the first place, embrace a fitness regimen. Exercising is shown to help boost your energy in several ways. Working out can increase endorphin levels, and it can also improve your mood, help you sleep, and enhance your ability to focus.
Becoming fit can lower your risk for physical issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke as well. Most people feel much better about themselves when they take on a workout routine, and it can even enhance your social life.
If you think you might have SAD try taking some of these steps above to treat your symptoms. You can feel better through natural coping methods, brightening your days and your life.
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