Combating Depression In The Winter

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.

All of these things result in feelings of at least mild depression. We start to feel isolated and stagnant. It is important to find ways to combat these feelings during the winter. Here are a few ideas for pulling yourself out of a winter slump.

Learn a New Hobby

Is there an instrument that you’ve always wanted to learn to play? Did you buy an Alvarez acoustic guitar a year ago, but still haven’t gotten around to learning to play? Buy an instructional CD and get started! Winter is a wonderful time to begin on the hobbies you’ve been putting off. If you’ve always wanted to paint, buy some supplies and just do it! Make wise use of your time 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.

Start Exercising

There is nothing like exercise as an antidote for depression. The chemicals that your body releases during exercise lift your mood all on their own. Even if it is too cold to go out for a walk or jog, you can find many ways to work out. Find a video that has an aerobic or muscle workout routine you can do at home. Join a gym if you have the money to do it. There are lots of ways to get exercise.

If you make a little bit of an attempt, the winter blahs don’t have to get the best of you. Try any of these activities, and before you know it, winter will be over and spring will be here!