By Yohannes Ayalew
Tips to reduce Seasonal Affective Disorder in winter times
Is it that time of the year? You feel like sleeping, tired, sad , depressed ,have low appetite and gain weight? , you may be experiencing Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). You can do something about it!
Canadian Mental Health Association lists the following as a way of reducing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD )
Tips to reduce Seasonal Affective Disorder in winter times
• Spend more time outdoors during the day
• Try to arrange the spaces you spend time in to maximize sunlight exposure
• Keep curtains open during the day
• Trim tree branches or hedges that may be blocking some of the light from getting into your home
• Move furniture so that you sit near a window or, if you exercise indoors, set up your exercise equipment by a window
• Install skylights and add lamps
• Build physical activity into your lifestyle preferably before SAD symptoms take hold. Physical activity relieves stress, builds energy and increases both your physical and mental well-being and resilience
• Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk, particularly if you commute to school or work in the dark hours of the day
• When all else fails, try a winter vacation in sunny climates—if the pocketbook and work schedule allow. Keep in mind that the symptoms will recur after you return home
• Try to resist the carbohydrate and sleep cravings that come with SAD
Source : Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
