If you are like me, your overall mood is very senstive to the weather. I get the greatest joy from a long sunny summer day and warm weather in general. Clouds, rain, cold and short days make me irritable and restless. But, I had always generalized this to me being a Summer Baby. It turns out, if you are not yet aware, the Winter Blues is a real deal problem and has a "proper" name: Seasonal Affective Disorder. I have seen statistics that state more suicides, divorces, and break ups happen in the winter time. Conencidence? Don't think so. I highly doubt that Thanksgiving feasts, Family time, and Holiday Shopping are driving people that far over the edge - but I am sure some of you would beg to differ! Now that we know the Winter Blues is something that affects many people, let me ask, does this affect you? If so, here 8 easy things you can do to help you get through another long Winter....... (until you can move to paradise!) 1. Make your environment brighter. When your body is craving more daylight, sitting next to an artificial light—also called a light box—for 30 minutes per day can be as effective as antidepressant medication. Opening blinds and curtains, trimming back tree branches, and sitting closer to windows can also help provide an extra dose of sunshine. 2. Eat smarter. Certain foods, like chocolate, can help to enhance your mood and relieve anxiety. Other foods, like candy and carbohydrates provide temporary feelings of euphoria, but could ultimately increase feelings of anxiety and depression. 3. Simulate dawn. People with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that usually begins in late fall or early winter and fades as the weather improves, may feel depressed, irritable, lethargic, and have trouble waking up in the morning—especially when it’s still dark out. Studies show that a dawn simulator, a device that causes the lights in your bedroom to gradually brighten over a set period of time, can serve as an antidepressant and make it easier to get out of bed. 4. Exercise. A 2005 study from Harvard University suggests walking fast for about 35 minutes a day five times a week or 60 minutes a day three times a week improved symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Exercising under bright lights may be even better for seasonal depression: A preliminary study found that exercise under bright light improved general mental health, social functioning, depressive symptoms, and vitality, while exercise in ordinary light improved vitality only. Try these mood boosting workouts. 5. Turn on the tunes. In a 2013 study, researchers showed that listening to upbeat or cheery music significantly improved participant’s mood in both the short and long term. 6. Plan a vacation. Longing for sunnier days at the beach? Research shows that the simple act of planning a vacation causes a significant increase in overall happiness. 7. Help others. Ladling out soup at the local shelter or volunteering your time can improve mental health and life satisfaction. 8. Get outside. Talking yourself into taking a walk when the temperatures plummet isn’t easy, but the benefits are big: Spending time outside (even when it's chilly!) can improve focus, reduce symptoms of SAD, and lower stress levels.
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BodynistaKhyrunnessa Rabbani - I am perfectly imperfect! Passionate believer if you love your body and yourself and the rest will fall into place. Categories
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