As the sun sets earlier and earlier, the clouds loom heavier, and the chill in the air suggests the winter to come, many of us begin feeling symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. These symptoms include depression, moodiness, disruption of sleep patterns, lack of energy, overeating, and lack of interest in pleasurable activities. Here are some tips to combat SAD and enjoy everything the season has to offer!
1) Invest in a light therapy box or a dawn simulating alarm. Light therapy boxes are white fluorescent bulbs that have a film to block UV rays. Use them for 20-30 minutes in the morning, to help calibrate your body’s circadian rhythm and wake you up. Dawn simulators are also a form of light therapy that gradually brightens your room in the morning, helping you wake up more slowly and naturally.
2) Supplement your diet with Vitamin-D. Boosting your Vitamin D intake by taking supplements with meals can help stimulate the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, helping to battle the gloominess that shorter, dimmer days can bring.
3) Try aromatherapy. Essential oils can help with mood, as well as regulation of the sleep cycle. Eucalyptus in the morning can boost energy and alertness and fight grogginess, while lavender in the evening can help the mind calm and settle into a deep sleep.
4) Get some exercise. For many, when the colder months roll around, exercise decreases, particularly for those who spend a lot of time being active outside all summer. Try indoor yoga or Pilates classes; check out on-line exercise routines and boost your cardio in your living room; swim or work out at a local gym; or bundle up and go for that jog anyway– your mental health will thank you!
Clara E.
Originally from upstate New York, Clara moved to Brooklyn in the spring of 2017 to finish her undergraduate degree and pursue her passions for architectural restoration, music composition, and visual art. She works as a receptionist at Element. In her free time, Clara likes to explore new neighborhoods, go to museums, and play the piano.