Winter blues beaters
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If your mood tends to drops with the mercury, you could have SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is the brain’s biological response to low light.
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- Winter blues beaters
If your mood tends to drops with the mercury, you could have SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is the brain’s biological response to low light.
Lack of light can sap motivation and energy and, annoyingly, lead you to eat more.
Parts of Australia and New Zealand that experience limited amount of light over winter are most affected by SAD, and it’s also thought to impact upon 10 per cent of people who live in Northern Europe.
It can begin at any age, but most commonly does so between the ages of 18 and 30. According to UK mental health charity, Mind, twice as many women experience SAD as do men.
Boost your winter mood with these tips
1. Make the most of natural light
“We know that being outdoors throughout the winter isn’t a cure, because many farmers and outdoor workers have SAD. However, it is still worth taking opportunities to be exposed to natural light when possible,” says Mind.
“Going outdoors, particularly around midday or on bright days, can be effective in reducing symptoms. If it is safe to do so (i.e. when you will not impair your vision), try to wear sunglasses a bit less often: this will allow greater exposure to natural light. Additionally, having pale colours within the home that reflect light from outside can be helpful.”
2. Keep your ‘activity routine’ all year round
Keeping your daily schedule the same, as you move from autumn into winter, is important. “It doesn’t matter as much in the summer when light exposure is high — but in the absence of light, maintaining activity schedules helps reinforce circadian rhythms,” Dr. Michael McCarthy, a psychiatrist and circadian rhythm researcher, told health writer Varci Vartanian at The Daily Muse.
3. Exercise and eat well
According to Mind, “There is plenty of evidence to show how good physical activity is for mental wellbeing. One research study showed that a daily one-hour walk, in the middle of the day, could be as helpful as light treatment for coping with the winter blues.
“A healthy diet is also important, and you should try to balance the common SAD craving for carbohydrates, such as pasta and potatoes, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Some people find that taking extra vitamin B12 is helpful.”
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