The winter blues are an all too common affliction for those of us living north of the equator.
It’s perfectly normal to have the odd day during the colder months when you feel a bit low and unmotivated, but if you feel very low for days or weeks at a time, if you can’t find the motivating to do the things you normally enjoy, your sleep pattern and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol or medication for comfort, it might be time to seek help. Here are 8 tips to beat the winter blues.
SAD is something very different from the winter blues, general depression and bipolar as it’s characterised by feelings of sadness and depression that occur in the winter months when temperatures drop and days are shorter.
Although women are twice as likely to suffer from the winter blues than men, SAD has no gender bias. According to recent studies on depression and the sexes, it was suggested that women tend to be more tuned into their emotions and better able to describe them when depressed while men might not recognise their symptoms as depression, perhaps denying or hiding their unhappiness, so the illness might get overlooked in men until it becomes more severe. (Jill Goldstein Ph.D Professor of Psychiatry and Medicine at Harvard Medical School)
People suffering from SAD may be unable to function or function minimally during the season in which their disorder occurs. SAD sufferers crave additional sleep, experience anxiety and lethargy and may gain weight, often craving sugary sweets and snacks.
Here are a few things you can do to help deal with SAD
Light Therapy
Light therapy is said to be effective for SAD. Light boxes give out light 10 times stronger than normal indoor lighting. There is potential for a few side effects with light boxes so seeking medical advice before investing is probably a good idea.
Exercise outdoors
Research shows that a daily 1-hour walk outdoors can be as effective as light treatment for coping with winter blues. The body releases endorphins, making you feel good while reducing stress and depression.
Keep warm
If you suffer with the winter blues, feeling cold can aggravate it. Best advice is to dress warm, eat warm and drink comforting warm drinks.
Eat healthily
Eat warm hearty meals that will sustain you. Balance carbohydrates with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Vitamin D can help too.
Keep in touch
Make an effort to keep in touch with people that make you feel good and can support you.
Set goals, join a social group or start a new hobby
Keep your mind active – something to look forward to and set yourself a challenge.
Join a support group
Consider joining SADA http://www.sada.org.uk/
Clinical hypnotherapy
Holistic therapies such as hypnotherapy are a safe and natural approach to dealing with symptoms of SAD and the positive benefits can be seen in all areas of your life.
For more information on Clinical Hypnotherapy and how it can help you get through the winder blues- get in touch today https://gailmarrahypnotherapy.com/
