As winter rolls out its white blanket in the Midwest and northern states, I personally get very excited about the next several months. There is ice skating, skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling (or riding a snow machine if your in Alaska), ice fishing, sleigh rides with Santa and a plethora of other fun and exciting activities to do.
Not everyone feels the same way I do, however. The cold weather and particularly the lack of light in the winter months cause many people to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a common manifestation of major depression. As many as 17% of people (AAFP) experience winter SAD.
The effects can include:
Depression
Hopelessness
Anxiety
Social Withdrawal
Weight Gain
and more (Mayo Clinic)
It might be difficult for those of us that really enjoy the winter to understand this disorder, but it is real and it is common. I am not a doctor (and I don't play one on T.V.), but I believe that Surviving SAD can be as easy as making a few adjustments to your winter lifestyle.
Exercise has been proven time and again to lower anxiety and depression levels. It also releases endorphins in the brain that cause feelings of euphoria. Exercising often will not only make you feel better and keep you in shape, but it has a cascading effect on metabolism, allowing you to keep those pounds off and in turn have a more positive self-image.
Eating right will increase your energy and simultaneously control the weight gain often associated with the winter months. Stay away from high carbohydrate foods that tend to pack on the pounds. Stick with high protein foods for energy and muscle building nutrients.
Get Sleep. Our circadian rhythms can be set off balance by the change in light in the winter. Be sure you are getting enough sleep to support your new exercise regimen.
Be Social. Fight the tendency to hide under a blanket in front of the TV and get out and be with friends. Try new things and investigate new hobbies to do with other people. Positive social interaction energizes us.
Find Joy. Think positive has become a cliché, but for good reason. Look around and take in the splendor of nature. Right now there are two cardinals eating bird seed three feet from me out the kitchen window. It's beautiful out there!
Consult a physician. As I stated before, SAD is a manifestation of depression and I'm not a doctor. There are medical treatments for SAD including light therapy and medicines. Don't ignore the symptoms. If your exercise, eating, sleep, social and joy routines don't make a significant difference for you, seek professional help.
Brandon Johnston is a Life and Transition Coach. He can be contacted at brandon@coachbrandon.net for more information about living your life to the fullest potential.
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