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sad face in the snow

Beating the Winter Blues

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Editorial Team
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BodyBuilding.com list 4 ways to overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder

Let’s face it, we all hate it when the temperature starts to drop and the sun starts to set at 5pm. For most of us, we wrap up and move on. However for some people, year after year, energy levels drop and they are left feeing depressed, tired and lethargic. This can mean that they suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For those who have SAD, they must endure the winter months instead of enjoying them, until now.

Get More Vitamin D

Vitamin D is naturally produced by the body when the sunlight hits the skin. When there is less sun exposure, you’re less likely to produce Vitamin D. A lack of Vitamin D can result in weak and brittle bones. Supplementation is your best strategy for more Vitamin D as few food sources contain high doses.

Try Light Therapy

Light therapy is a great way for people to get more Vitamin D. It uses special, very bright ‘light boxes’ which help your body naturally create Vitamin D and in turn, ease the symptoms of depression.

Find Workouts You Enjoy

When you’re feeling down, the last thing you want to do is exercise. However, going to the gym can be one of the best ways to tackle depression. Regular exercise will boost your well-being by releasing feel-good endorphins and can help to increase your energy levels. The better workouts that help to ease SAD symptoms are yoga and swimming rather than focussing on muscle-building or fat-loss result based programmes. Focus on the fun and how good it makes you feel. As long as you are motivated, it will help exercise your mental health as well as your physical health.

Keep Regular Sleep Hours

With winter days being shorter, you don’t want to spend all your time asleep. The more sunlight hours you’re awake for, the more Vitamin D your body will be producing. Try to regulate your sleep hours by waking up and going to bed at the same times every day. If you struggle to fall asleep, consider using melatonin supplements. Melatonin can help to regulate your body clock so it’s easier to stick to your routine.

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  • Editorial Team

    Articles written by experts in their field. Our experts are sharing their knowledge and expertise, however their opinions and ideas may not be the opinions of Wellbeing Magazine. Any article offering advice should be first discussed with their GP before trying any treatments, products or lifestyle changes.

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