Seasonal light & more solutions to help beat the winter blues

Natural solutions to help combat seasonal affective disorder until spring arrives.

What is seasonal affective disorder?

As winter sets in, the days get shorter and weather gets colder, many of us may find ourselves with the "winter blues." Severe and chronic seasonal depression is a serious issue and should be treated by a medical professional. However, for many of us, winter tends to bring on lesser types of seasonal affective disorder (sometimes called SAD) along the lines of "cabin fever" or "the blahs." There are, however, ways to . . . ahem . . . weather winter, including seasonal light lamps and positive habits that help fend off stress and sadness.

Chase away the winter blues

The winter blues aren't just a folksy saying — there are physiological (and psychological) reactions to how much sunlight we soak up on a daily basis. In the northern hemisphere, the tilt of the Earth means we get fewer winter daylight hours (and less direct sunlight) the farther north we live. For example, around the winter solstice, Anchorage, Alaska, gets less than five hours of daylight and the northernmost part of Minnesota gets eight. Shorter days mean less sunlight, which can mess with our circadian rhythms and bring about changes in our sleep schedules, our eating habits and our moods.

That's why some people notice that during winter months they sleep more, have less energy and interest in their usual activities, feel more irritable or moody and may even want to eat more (especially foods heavy in carbohydrates). There are doctor-prescribed light therapies that include bright light boxes or dawn simulators, but if your symptoms are not that severe, there are other things you can do on a daily basis to fight off the blues or blahs.

Video Transcript

Let the light in to fight seasonal affective disorder

  • Throw open the shutters. Seasonal light solutions can be as simple as opening up the blinds and curtains and removing things like tree branches that block sun-facing windows.
  • Sit in the sunlight. Move your desk or kitchen table into an area that's getting more sunshine. Take some time during the day to sit near a bright window and read or work. Mornings are a good time to grab some extra sunlight exposure, as it can both help keep your body clock set right and raise your spirits for the rest of the day.
  • Look into SAD light therapy. Conside getting a light therapy box or LED SAD light if you don't have windows that get much sunlight during the day.

Combat cabin fever

  • Go outside. Sure, it might be colder out, but bundle up and try to get out more during the daylight hours. Make a daily walk part of your winter routine — even on a cloudy day your body is still soaking up sunshine. When an unseasonably warm winter day comes along, consider eating lunch outdoors or taking a family walk.
  • Take time to relax. Don't push yourself too hard — take a little time each winter day to chill out, so to speak.
  • Be social. When you're feeling blue or cranky, sometimes the last thing you want is to be around other people, but sometimes that's also exactly what you need. And when you are a good neighbor at work and in your neighborhood, the kindness and respect will be returned.
  • Head for the sun. If you're planning a winter vacation, consider going somewhere warm and sunny to give yourself a brief mid-winter recharge. And if you're enrolled in Medicare, supplemental insurance may provide additional support for health care expenses while you're traveling.

Take care of your mind and body during winter

  • Get enough sleep. While sleeping all day or finding it increasingly hard to get out of bed can be a sign of more severe depression, make sure you're getting a normal and healthy amount of rest each night. Lack of sleep can raise stress levels.
  • Eat right. Follow healthy eating tips. And no matter how much your winter body might crave them, try to cut down on foods heavy in fats, sugars and carbs. Instead, try to eat foods rich in nutrients and vitamins, including fish, nuts and vegetables high in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Exercise regularly. Not just because you want to get a head start on your summer beach body, but because it helps reduce stress and anxiety and strengthens your body's physical and mental system.

Embrace home Hygge

  • Bring in nature. Potted indoor plants, including low-maintenance succulents, can boost your mood, improve the air you breathe and even increase your productivity to make your space more comfortable.
  • Set up a meditation spot. Whether it's a pillow in a quiet corner or a more elaborate area that includes aromatherapy oils, finding a place to take those deep belly breaths and relax is key. Sitting quietly in place can help restore a sense of calm while reducing negative emotions.
  • Add some snaps. Colorful photos from travel and celebrations help keep happy memories top of mind. Create a gallery wall that captures moments with loved ones to bring instant cheer to your space.

If your winter blues get worse and you feel you might be experiencing continuing depression, seek help from a medical professional. If, however, you feel like your mood and attitude just need a little boost during the cold, dark winter months, follow these tips to fight off the blahs and get as much happiness and fun out of winter as you do the other, warmer seasons.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

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