5 Ways To Prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

With winter on its way, the winter blues are beginning to reappear again. One common disorder related to winter is Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. SAD is described as a form of depression caused by weather-related or light-related changes. Since the winter season is defined by both colder weather and lower light conditions, SAD affects the population more in winter than other seasons. Although SAD may affect you, here are some ways you can try and prevent SAD during the winter months.

1. Go Outside As Much As Possible

Going outside allows you to recognize that the sun still rises! With less sunlight during the winter months, you should take advantage of the sun when it is out. Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that you should stay inside! Instead, by braving the cold you can enjoy many outdoor winter activities. Try walking, skating, sledding, building snow forts, or even having a snowball fight. As long as you bundle up, you will gain many benefits from going outside.

2. Use Light Therapy

Since there is a lack of sunlight in the winter, one therapy you can try to combat SAD is light therapy. To practice light therapy, you must use a special light box which replicates the brightness of the light outdoors. Light therapy is linked to mood, so it eases the symptoms of SAD. It might even prevent the symptoms of SAD if you use your light box before your symptoms begin for the winter months. It is recommended that you start your day off by using this light box. Try using your light box while you enjoy reading the morning paper, or with a good book to pass the time.

3. Try Aromatherapy With Mindfulness Activities

Aromatherapy includes using essential oils to enhance your psychological well-being. Since essential oils might help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, they also might reduce symptoms of SAD in people affected by this disorder. If you practice aromatherapy with other mindfulness activities, such as yoga or breathing techniques, you might see better results. When aromatherapy is paired with these activities, it can enhance your relaxation, decrease your stress, and increase your mood. All these benefits could help alleviate symptoms of SAD. If you partake in this activity before the winter months begin, you may even be able to prevent your symptoms of SAD.

4. Focus On Exercise And Diet

Keep your body healthy by maintaining a constant exercise regime or diet plan. When exercising and maintaining a healthy diet, you are making sure your physical health is at its peak. Not only will you be physically healthy, but you will also experience positive effects on your mental health. Another reason exercise can help you is by improving your sleep. Since the decrease in sunlight also affects our sleep cycle, by exercising, we can improve our sleep cycle to what it once was.

5. Seek Help From A Doctor

If you find that none of these solutions are working, consult your health care professional. SAD is a psychological disorder, so if you think you have experienced symptoms of SAD in the past, talk to your doctor to be officially diagnosed. Once you have been diagnosed, you can get professional help from a doctor who is trained in treating SAD. Working through treatment with a doctor can help you come to a better understanding of your diagnosis, which will help you prevent additional symptoms of SAD.

If you live in the Pickering area and are looking for natural treatments to improve your health, Dr. Cecilia Ho at The Aim Clinic can help you! Contact us at 905-492-8688 or click here to book an appointment.