If you’re shaking your head at all that white stuff that’s started to fall from the sky, you may be susceptible to what I refer to as “Winter Depressive Disorder”. What is this you ask? The term applies to those who struggle, suffer and strive bitterly through the colder months of the calendar making them irritable and sometimes downright nasty. The ailment is considered quite common for many of those who live on the east coast and can fluctuate in intensity from mild to extreme measures based on the individual. Depression is nothing to mess with, especially when it comes to finding the right antidote to defuse the situation so if this sounds familiar, you need to get help fast. “Winter Depressive Disorder” can be treated with a variety of different means and usually can be alleviated by enjoying a special activity, added exposure to light or simply making a few tweaks to your everyday diet.
In the past, I’ve experienced similar effects of the malady and have since come up with a plan that helps to assuage some of the symptoms. Irritation, exhaustion and plain old crabbiness can really put a damper on your personal health as well as your personal relationships. Believing you can wait it out until the spring thaw arrives is just silly and even a little dangerous so if you’re open to learning a few tips they may just save you from another tough year in the cold. Here’s my go-to list of special soothers that help sustain my sanity until the warmer months roll around once again-maybe they can assist you.
Light
Light deprivation is the number one factor, which makes people petulant, depressed and moody. Scientifically known as “Seasonal Affective Disorder, doctors believe that the inner circadian rhythm is disrupted during winter and the body is actually yearning for a longer connection to direct sunlight. I fit perfectly within this category and try to make extra time for long walks in the morning- the time of day recommended by many experts. Phototherapy is another option which means skin exposure to ultraviolet light on a regular bases. You can either do this at home or receive treatment in a medical office.
Diet
I know it’s the time of year where comfort foods are the main source of fuel but dishes saturated in butter, fat and oil can literally pull your immune system down to lower functioning levels. Cookies and pies give an immediate satisfaction but hours later, you’re paying for it with a plummeting sugar levels that turns a “high” into a “low”. Opt for fresh foods such as fish, veggies and ripe fruits that will make you feel healthier as well as trick your system into thinking that the season is warmer than it really is.
Color
I know it sounds funny but many of us don’t realize that we wear darker colors in the winter than in the spring or summer. If we can pair more pops of bright reds, blues, greens, yellows and purples into our attire, we’ll begin to feel happier just from the reinforcement of happier hues around us.