Banishing Winter: Transforming 'SAD' into Seasonal Radiance
The most exciting part about the snowy season is shorter days and longer nights, giving you an extra hour of snoozing! Nevertheless, for many, the winter hits harder than just a chill in the air. While some are prepping up with the cozy blankets, others are staying wary of the winter blues. The falling snowflakes are chaperoned by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is like, just when the sun took a vacation, your mood decided to join, leaving you all ‘SAD.’ But hold your end up. Getting SAD (seasonal affective disorder) does not mean you literally have to be sad! Let us flip the winter blues because you do not need a whole sun to create your own sunshine!
1. Blues to Bliss!
Who is to be blamed? The disappearing sun, shortening days, and your 24-hour biological clock - declining energy and mood! However, SAD is not the end of your winter delight. Knowing the right moves to outsmart the blues can keep your inner glow shining throughout the season!
2. Sunshine in a Box
The go-to remedy for SAD is light therapy. Basking in artificial light for a bare minimum of 30 minutes can turn your blues to blissful hues. The light box works its magic by correcting your 24-hour clock, spiking your daily dose of the happy hormone serotonin.
3. But, Sleep First!
Knowing when to sleep might not sound as simple as it used to be in the summer. The looming darkness day in and day out will trick our bodies into believing the wrong time to wind down and wake up. This disrupts an otherwise healthy sleep schedule, welcoming dozing off during daytime and insomnia. Picturing this, sleep should be prioritized. Prep an hour before you hit the hay, avoid phones, computer screens, and emotionally worked-up situations. And try to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Routines might not be pleasing for many, but trust me, your sleep will thank you!
4. Celebrate Not Hibernate!
SAD can often leave a strong temptation to shut your social windows and hibernate in the snow. Well, this is not going to help you with the blues. In fact, it will add salt to the depressive wound. Social isolation, which some consider a harmless act, is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Socialization is very important for maintaining a good mood. Now, do not get misguided into thinking that it is all about partying; even a small companionship can do the job perfectly.
5. Therapy Side Up
When things get out of hand or when you feel nothing is helping, getting medical attention is mandatory. It turns out that cognitive behavioral therapy can kick out the winter blues. A study reveals that six weeks of cognitive therapy was quite effective in reducing depressive symptoms. Medical support can make a real difference when SAD hits hard, offering much-needed relief!
So, this winter, let us fight back and reflect on a season of self-care and inner warmth. As we wrap up the tips on how to stay happy amidst the SAD, shine on your brightest light and relish the snowflakes in winter hues, not the blues!
