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Tips for Dealing with S.A.D.

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S.A.D. = Seasonal Affective Disorder

In the winter, when the days get shorter (lightwise) and it gets dark very early, many people experience symptoms of depression ranging from light to severe.  While you can't change the natural pattern of night and day, there are several effective ways of dealing with it, and some won't cost you any money!

GET HAPPY: Lightboxes

Lightboxes are a traditionally recommended way to brighten your mood during the darker times of the year. Many specialists say that by subjecting yourself to intense light for a few minutes each day, you'll feel better and more refreshed.
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GET HAPPY: Holiday Lights

In the winter I love to decorate the INSIDE of my house with holiday light strings. Icicle lights are my favorite, because they look great in front of mirrors, in door frames, or around windows.

Decorative party lights are also awesome ways to create a fun mood.
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GET HAPPY: More fun, decorative lights

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Are you sad?

Many people get sad or depressed in the winter. Sometimes it has to do with the stress of the holidays, and sometimes it's because of the short days and dark nights that make you feel like going to bed at 6pm! (Not that that's always a bad thing...)

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GET HAPPY: Write about it

Journalling your thoughts can be a very powerful way to feel better about your situation. With a pretty journal it's even more fun.

Click here for more gorgeous journals from FoxVox
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GET HAPPY: Alter your work hours

If you are lucky enough to have a flexible job, try switching your work hours so you are home during the day and work in the evening when it's dark. This will allow you to enjoy the daylight hours during the winter and still accomplish everything that needs to get done.

GET HAPPY: Find a winter hobby

During the winter, it's fun to have a hobby that you can work on while it's dark and dreary outside. Try something new, such as a new craft or cooking challenge. Experiment with different projects until you find something that interests you.

GET HAPPY: Exercise

Exercise is good for you because it fills you with endorphins and gives you a natural high. Here are my favorite exercise DVDs.
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Is SADD all in your head?

Some people believe SADD is an attention getting technique or something people can control at will. What is your interpretation of SADD?

Is SADD "all in my head?"

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Yes...cheer up!

No...I totally get it.

Sam says:

Some people can control it I'm sure, but others, like me, feel incredibly down for what seems like no reason, and end up sat in a corner crying.

 

GET HAPPY: Fun and fresh artwork

With fun artwork hanging around the house, you can't help but smile.
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GET HAPPY: Gorgeous gift boxes

A pretty tile box from one of our fine CafePress shops is a fun and cheery gift for yourself or someone else. Use it to stash your pick-me-up chocolate treats. ;)
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  • DavidDove Sep 7, 2011 @ 6:11 am | delete
    Low light levels affect us all, some more than others, suicide rates in Scandinavia are interesting, anything that helps is to be welcomed.
  • davidstillwagon Jun 11, 2009 @ 1:30 pm | delete
    It seems that my mood seems to change when Winter comes on. I don't know if it is the cold weather or the bare trees or just the general setting of the season.
    good lens 5*
  • davidstillwagon Jun 11, 2009 @ 1:30 pm | delete
    It seems that my mood seems to change when Winter comes on. I don't know if it is the cold weather or the bare trees or just the general setting of the season.
    good lens 5*
  • 1richgeek Jan 23, 2009 @ 10:51 pm | delete
    Good Article - (I will be passing it your link on to a good friend who suffers from S.A.D.). Lots of variety, lots of great ideas. Something for everyone. Thank you!
    John, author of http://www.squidoo.com/Healthy-Lifestyle-1
  • 1richgeek Jan 23, 2009 @ 10:51 pm | delete
    Good Article - (I will be passing it your link on to a good friend who suffers from S.A.D.). Lots of variety, lots of great ideas. Something for everyone. Thank you!
    John, author of http://www.squidoo.com/Healthy-Lifestyle-1
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