As a child, like many others, I didn’t always look forward to going to school. I grew up in Coorg, a beautiful hill station in South India, where my school was situated high up on a hill. Often, our school bus would stop halfway and we’d have to walk the rest of the way. The rain would pour heavily, making the walk difficult and in the winter, the cold would cut through, leaving me shivering. Even though the beauty of the place was undeniable, that long, wet walk in the chilly weather left me feeling gloomy. The weather, the dampness and the cold all seemed to impact my mood and even today, the thought of winter approaching makes me gloomy.
Interestingly, this kind of sadness and depression is experienced by many people during the colder months. It is a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD and it usually occurs during the months that receive very little sunlight. Also, it’s more common in places that experience long winters and shorter days.
People with this disorder feel tired, lose interest in activities and struggle with feelings of sadness. Fortunately, there are ways to manage and cope with SAD.
For starters, self-care can play an important role in improving one’s mood and wellbeing during the darker months. By implementing certain strategies, like adjusting our routine, practicing mindfulness and taking care of our physical health, we can improve our mood and reduce the impact of seasonal depression.
So, join us as we explore how to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD and bring some much-needed light into our life during the colder months.
A lot of us don’t value the brightness of the sun. We take it for granted. But it has so many wonderful benefits for our health. One of the most common triggers for Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is the lack of sunlight. Sunlight helps regulate our mood and energy levels by boosting serotonin, a chemical that contributes to feelings of happiness and wellbeing. When there is less sunlight, our serotonin production drops and that leads to feelings of sadness.
To combat the effects of reduced sunlight, we must try to get outside during the daylight hours, even if it’s just for a short walk. We must also open our curtains to let natural light into our homes. For those who live in areas with very little sunlight, a light therapy box which mimics natural sunlight can be useful.
By spending more time in natural light, especially on cloudy days, we can improve our mood and energy.
On gloomy days, many of us like to laze on the couch, wrapped up in a blanket, watching shows on TV. It’s easy to fall into the trap of skipping our exercise routine on such days. However, this can actually make us feel more sluggish during the colder months. Resting is important, but too much can affect our mood and mental health.
Exercise is a powerful way to boost our mood and deal with feelings of depression. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that improve happiness and reduce stress. Even though the cold weather might make it tempting to stay indoors, it’s important to find ways to stay active. Whether it’s going for a brisk walk, practicing yoga or joining a fitness class, staying active can help us feel more energised and improve our overall wellbeing.
SAD is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually during the winter months when there is less sunlight.
Common symptoms include sadness, low energy, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep patterns or appetite and withdrawal from social activities.
Less sunlight during the winter months can trigger or worsen symptoms of SAD.
Yes, exercise releases endorphins that improve our mood and reduce stress. Staying active can help manage symptoms of SAD and improve our overall wellbeing.
Comments