Combating seasonal affective disorder
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

10 Ways To Tackle Seasonal Affective Disorder This Winter

Because you deserve the best year-round.

764
10 Ways To Tackle Seasonal Affective Disorder This Winter

When asked what my favorite season is, I always give fall as my answer. But with the bright hues of autumn leaves comes short days and long nights. As days become cold and windy I find myself feeling just as gray as the skies surrounding me.

During fall and winter, many Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Those that suffer from mild or even no depression throughout most of the year may find themselves with an unexplainable need to stay in bed.

For as long as I can remember, the dark and chilly time of year has come with a lack of motivation. Because life goes on despite how little motivation I have, I have found a few ways to combat my SADness. I hope these at home treatments can help you too!

1. Use a sun lamp

Light therapy is helpful for a lot of people that suffer from SAD or depression year-round. Sun lamps mimic the light provided by the sun but do not cause skin cancer by any means. Sun lamps range in a number of sizes and prices. These are especially useful for those that work typical 9-5 business hours.

2. Go to the tanning bed

Yes, I know the tanning bed can cause skin cancer. I am not saying this is necessarily the best option, but for me, it has been very effective. Sometimes, a few minutes of light and warmth can completely change my week. Your doctor with never (actually) recommend it, but many other people have also found it especially helpful.

3. Exercise regularly 

I was reluctant to try this one at first. I figured that working out would just make me even more tired than I already felt. Honestly, it had the complete opposite effect. When I work out regularly I have so much more energy and feel more focused. This doesn't have to be the stereotypical workout either. Sure, you could go run on a treadmill, but don't limit yourself!

4. Establish a routine 

This one is so important. Our bodies thirst for a routine. Put your schedule in a planner!!! For some reason, having our schedule in writing makes us more accountable. Find a routine that works for you and STICK TO IT.

5. Meditate

I cannot emphasize enough how much meditation has changed my life. Meditation is more than sitting criss-cross applesauce while saying "ohm". Sometimes I meditate in the morning, sometimes before bed. It can range from laying my bed to sitting outside taking in some fresh air. Meditating can seem very daunting, but there are many apps that provide a guided meditation. My favorite, by far, is Headspace.

6. Find a great therapist 

Therapy doesn't make you crazy. Everybody can benefit from therapy. Say it with me- therapy isn't a bad thing.

7. Aromatherapy 

I've been told many times that my love for essential oils is a little hippie-hippie, but don't knock it 'til you try it! There are so many oils that can help with anything from stress and restlessness to helping you sleep at night. Just a drop of essential oil can help me feel much more focused and wide-eyed.

8. Keep a journal

Yay - feelings! Journaling is a perfect way for putting your feelings "out there" without having to share with an actual person. I often have difficulty verbally expressing how I feel so writing is a great outlet for me. Just like everything else I've mentioned, journaling doesn't take a specific form. It's only for you, so make it what you want.

9. Find sunshine where you can

Just because it's cold and dark most of the time doesn't mean the sun never comes out. If it's a day where the sun is shining especially bright, take the time to soak up some rays! Sometimes, just a few minutes in the sun can go a long way.

10. Indulge!

Remember, you deserve nothing but the best. You deserve to be happy. So, if that means occasionally indulging in what makes to smile, PLEASE DO IT. Wanting some ice cream? Eat some frickin' ice cream.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58027
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37378
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959038
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192540
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments