Fighting the Winter Blues
During this time of year, many feel the cold and dark weather has them spiraling into a depression; as the holiday shopping, socializing or vacation has come to a halt, there may be a feeling of the ‘winter blues’. Even though some feel the draining effects from little sunlight, only a very small percentage of people are diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Dr. Peter Bieling, Director of the Mood Disorders Program, says the vast majority of Canadians are not diagnosed with SAD; only about 3% have a major depression during the late fall and winter months.
For those who are diagnosed with SAD there are treatments available, such as, light therapy with 30 minutes of daily exposure to bright light using a specially designed florescent light box, antidepressant drugs, and talk therapy.
Dr. Bieling along with financial writer and TV personality, Gail Vaz-Oxlade give some tips and strategies to beat the winter blues:
- Put it in perspective: While most people may feel sadder or “down in the dumps” during this time, scientifically there are very few people that have Seasonal Affective Disorder.
- Get enough sleep: Going to bed at a decent time is important to give your body enough rest, especially during a busy time of year.
- Get moving: Exercise is important during this time of year when there are little activities to do outside. Make sure to get 30 minute of exercise a day, three to four times a week, which can help your mood.
- Eat well: Nutrition is a key player in health and your mood. The less processed foods, the better and cut out junk food.
- Make a budget and stick to it: Ensuring that you designate what you ‘want’ versus what you ‘need’ and budget around that. If there are things that you are able to cut the costs of such as cable, in order to save more money for expenses that you owe, that can take away unneeded stress for a healthy mind.
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