Many people each year are affected by a wave of emotions during the changing of each season. The clinical term for this phenomenon is called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD which is quite ironic. Let's dive deep into the reasons these blues come around every few months and learn ways to cope with it.
The cause of SAD is a lack of sunlight or vitamin D. SAD usually happens during the fall and winter months because the days get shorter, unlike summer when the days are almost never-ending. You may be experiencing the seasonal blues when you have a low mood or low energy, you are irritable, lethargic, and either cannot sleep or you feel that you're sleeping too much.
There are many ways to combat and cope with SAD and it starts with staying active. Going outside every day will allow your body to soak up some vitamin D and make you feel energized. Studies show that people who grew up in cold environments are known to be perceived as grumpy and always negative. This is why you need to keep warm during the cold months so that lower temperatures do not trigger SAD.
Keeping a healthy diet is key to feeling alive during the whole year even during the colder months. Nutrition allows our bodies to regulate everything that happens around us. Keeping a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, poultry, carbs, and fats will allow for a more balanced brain.
Allowing yourself to be social and talkative will help to avoid going into the seasonal blues because especially during the colder months people shy away from getting together. The flu and cold season can stop people from wanting to be social because they become afraid of getting sick. But taking necessary precautions will let you be a social butterfly and avoid catching all types of sickness including SAD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many and it is a part of so many people's lives and that should not stop you from enjoying the most wonderful time of the year!