Stave Off SAD With These 6 Solutions
By Brandi Goodman
Seasonal Affective Disorder, usually referred to as SAD, starts to set in for some during the fall months. Once the holidays approach and colder weather arrives, people who experience depression tend to revert back to that state. It's possible to stave off the symptoms of SAD with a few solutions.
Spend Time Outside Daily
You shouldn't keep yourself locked indoors day after day. Instead, you need daily time outside that allows you to get some light. Even on cloudy days, it's best to spend at least a bit of time outdoors so you're getting some fresh air.
Stay Involved in Your Activities
If you tend to participate in activities throughout the summer that boost your mood and give you something to look forward to, don't stop them just because fall arrives. Stay involved in your activities all year-round if you can. While you may not be able to swim at the lake if that was your thing, there are still local pools you can use. Perhaps you played a sport. You can find indoor sporting locations where you can play.
Start Eating Healthier
The foods you eat can make your depression worse. The more junk you put into your body the more likely you are to feel slow, sluggish, and sad. Start eating healthier so you can give your body the nutrition and energy it needs. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be on your daily menu along with water to drink.
Sweat it Out
Regular exercise can boost your mood. Sweat it out if you hope to improve your mental well-being. You don't have to visit the gym if you're not up for it. At least try some simple exercises at home. Workout videos are available online. Even something as simple as dancing while you clean can help.
See the Light
Light therapy is one common option for those suffering from SAD. You purchase a light box that mimics natural lighting. Use it as soon as you wake up to expose yourself to light instead of sitting in the dark. You're more likely to boost your mood this way.
Shape Up Your Social Skills
Being social can also help get you out of a slump. Many people start to feel symptoms of SAD because they're frequently home alone. Shape up your social skills and spend more time with others. Enjoying another person's company can help you to see you're not alone and you have someone you can count on, even if it's just for laughs.
Consider your mental health and make some changes that will help to prevent such serious struggles. Seasonal Affective Disorder may always affect you, but it doesn't have to drastically alter your state of mind if you find ways to cope.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cary, N.C.