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10 Super Ways to Deal with SAD (Seasonal Depression)
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7. Develop Wintertime Interests
If you love playing volleyball or taking long walks on the beach in the summers, it can be really depressing when you can’t do your favorite activities for the remainder of the year. The key is to find something you really love to do during the winter months so that not only do you enjoy winter, you might even find yourself looking forward to it. Having fun is vital to being in a good mood. It might take you a little while to find the perfect activity that is fun for you, but if you keep trying, almost everyone can find something enjoyable. Try cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating. If you find that you really hate everything about snow, look for something else such as swimming in an indoor heated pool or taking some cooking classes.
8. Get Outside
Studies show that getting some fresh air can relieve stress. So unless there is a raging blizzard outside, bundle up and take a few deep breaths, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. If you can take a quick walk outside in the morning sun, even better! Get some sunlight in your eyes (not directly, of course) and wake up your body with a little physical activity, it’s the two birds with one stone scenario.
SEE ALSO: Top 15 Natural Ways to Deal with Depression
9. Switch Summer Vacation for Winter Vacation
If you are one of those who suffer from a serious case of SAD, you might find that taking your vacation during the cold winter months, perhaps in late January or early February, might do a lot more for your mental health than a summer vacation. Taking a vacation to a sunny location during the dark days of winter will really make a difference. Even a quick weekend trip someplace where there is more sunlight will help.
10. Fake the Dawn
There are alarm clocks that simulate the rising sun, rather than play music or have a beeping tone. Some people with SAD find that these are really helpful. There are many different models of dawn stimulators, but the best ones for those with SAD use full-spectrum light, which is the closest thing there is to natural sunlight.
If you live with SAD, you might want to try equipping your home and office with lots and lots of bright lights. Some people find that just adding plenty of light, even if it’s artificial light, can help tremendously.
