As the leaves begin to fall from the trees, the light hours in the day grow shorter and the luminous sun begins to dim and dark clouds cover the sky in the Pacific Northwest. As a long-term sufferer of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), I have done some research along the years. Here are three tips to battle SAD.

1. Find something that makes you happy

When the weather begins to change, think about what made you so happy when the sun was out. Was it the outdoor activities? Spending more time with your friends? Figure out what made you happy in that moment. Once you find that, find a compromise.

If you miss going to the beach with your friends, go out to the movies or bowling with them instead. Look into other activities you can during the autumn and winter months.

2. Meditate

Meditation is so beneficial to your mental and physical health. According to the Mayo Clinic, some signs of SAD is lacking concentration on school and work and even can increase a person’s anxiety. By meditating, you are able to clear your mind and concentrate entirely on yourself. Your ability to concentrate increases after meditating because you have become more self-aware.

Not only is it a nice way to concentrate, it reduces stress. Meditation takes you away from the hectic lifestyle and lets you rest your mind and body for a bit.

3. Red Light Therapy

I know this sounds odd but one of the ways I conquer SAD every year is through red light therapy. Red light therapy is emitting red, low light wavelengths through the skin. The therapy is best-known for helping with blood flow, helps with acne and helps ease the pain of those with chronic joint pain.

From my experience with red light therapy, I always walk away from the 20-minute therapy feeling warm and refreshed. I get joint pain all throughout my body during autumn and winter. This therapy increased my ability to enjoy these two months.

Hopefully, these tips have given you an idea of what to try out. Bundle up and enjoy the changing of the seasons as much as you can.