How to Avoid the Winter Blues This Season

Winter is approaching once again and, for many individuals, it means going through those dreaded months of “winter blues” or “winter depression.” Medically, this strange disorder is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and it affects millions of Americans every year. Winter blues impacts people in various ways. Some people experience only a few symptoms of it while others can exhibit a wide variety of signs.

Amongst the most common symptoms are:

• Feeling lethargic
• Overeating
• Depression
• Irritability
• Feeling unsociable

If you are someone who is faced with the above symptoms during the colder months of the year, then there is good news for you. Like many other disorders, winter blues can also be combatted with proper precautions and treatments. Below, you will find five tips on how to avoid the winter blues this season.

Keep Active

Many people make the mistake of allowing themselves to vegetate during the winter months. Unfortunately, little do they realize that this will only increase their winter blues symptoms rather than helping with it.

So, go to the gym, jog in the park, or even just take your dog out for a walk. Whatever it is that you chose to do, the goal is to stay active and keep moving.

It is well known that exercise helps fight depression, so by being active you will fight against that lethargic feeling as well as any depression caused by this disorder.

Eat Healthy

When you are feeling low, you tend to crave for sweet and sugary items. These sugary substances and foods actually sap your energy in the long run and, since you are not moving around much due to the cold, it becomes rather easy to put on fat.

So, it is important to watch your diet and eat foods that are good and healthy for you. This will also keep your body energized.

Lighten Up

Part of what causes the winter blues is the fact that you do not see the sun as you are indoors most of the time. Try and be outside whenever there’s a little sun. Even if it means having to bundle up in layers of clothing, it is still recommended to catch some sun periodically during the winter.

Take Multi-Vitamins

Vitamins are necessary for the body’s optimum performance. Vitamin D in particular is important because it is gained mainly from the sun, so during cold days when there is little sun, Vitamin D comes in handy.

Hang Out With Friends.

Just being around friends can help you cheer up, remove your unsociable feelings, and keep you more lively overall. It is advisable to spend time with your friends and engage in activities that will keep you busy and entertained. And, if you don’t have any friends or they are busy, then join a support group.

Please contact our office, Fieve Depression Center at 212-249-1600 if you would like to schedule a consultation to meet with one of our professional practitioners or for more information.