When winter falls the daylight hours shorten almost everywhere; at high latitudes, the difference can be extreme. Weather might keep you from doing your regular outdoor workouts, or the darkness might make it seem like you shouldn't be moving until later in the day. A mental health professional can help you identify whether you might be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of seasonal depression linked to decreased exposure to sunlight. Whether you suffer from SAD or a simple case of the winter blahs, you can take practical, immediate action to feel better.
Exercise
Regular aerobic exercise can ease depression. If you're lagging too much to work out by the end of the day, try working out in the mornings. The extra kick of energy you get from working out regularly can also help kick-start your day on a positive note. If you're not a fan of gym workouts, find a group activity like dancing or martial arts that appeals to you. The positive peer pressure of working out in a group, combined with learning something new that interests you, will help inspire you to keep working out regularly.
Get Sun
Expose yourself to as much sunlight as possible. Try going for a walk outside, or doing any other type of outdoor recreation during the sunniest part of the day. If you can't get actual sun consider purchasing a SAD light, a special type of fluorescent lamp mounted in a small box. Regular exposure to a SAD light can help reduce the symptoms of SAD, as published on the American Psychiatric Association website.
Meditate
Engage in regular meditation, or any practice -- such as yoga or some martial arts -- that encourages quiet mindfulness. Some styles of martial arts even combine movement and meditation at the same time. As reported in "5 Ways to Beat the Winter Doldrums" in "Time" magazine, practicing regular meditation can help ease the symptoms of depression.
Avoid Alcohol, Eat Healthy
If you're tempted to drown your sorrows in a bottle of beer, don't. Alcohol is a literal depressant that can leave you feeling worse than before. Ditch the refined, nutrient-poor comfort food too, and nourish yourself with healthy, nutrient-rich foods that include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Taking the time to prepare or purchase a healthy meal doesn't just show self-love, it also give your body the kind of fuel it needs to keep operating at peak efficiency.
