Most people who live in a place with changing seasons experience some symptoms of depression in the winter time. There is a clinical condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder. This condition is diagnosed when the symptoms are extreme and interfere with the individual’s life. S. A. D. is believed to be caused by the absence of enough sunlight in the winter, and is often treated with light therapy.
For people who have S. A. D., the symptoms are far more severe. But most of experience some kind of mood change during the winter. We tend to feel lazier, and want to sleep more. Because it is cold outside, we stay in the house most of the time. We crave comfort foods, which tend to be starchier and higher in fat than the things we eat during other times of year.
When all these factors combine, it is not surprising that we experience a bit of depression. Being cooped up inside make us feel trapped and isolated. It is essential to find ways to fight these feelings. Here are a few ideas for activities that can help.
Take Up A New Hobby
We all have things that we’ve been meaning to learn, but have yet to make the time for. Winter would be a great time to pull out that Alvarez acoustic guitar you bought ages ago and still don’t know how to play. Buy a chord book and get started! If you’ve been meaning to learn how to sew, now is the time to do it. Make good use of the extra time you are spending at home.
Get Out Of the House
We spend so much time in our houses and apartments in the winter that we start to forget the outside world exists. Call up a friend and invite them out for brunch. Go for coffee with someone, or ask your brother to help you shop for the leather brown boots you’ve wanted for months. Simply leaving your house and changing your surroundings can lift your mood and make you feel more free.
Get Some Exercise
Begin a cardio or muscle workout routine. Exercise can all but obliterate the depression you feel in the winter. The endorphins released in the body alter your brain chemistry in a good way. If it is warm enough, you can go for a brisk walk. If you can afford to join a gym, that can be helpful in the winter, but you can even just do stretches and toning exercises in your home.
These activities will help occupy you and hold your attention during the cold, dark months of winter. Before you know it, spring will be here!