The January Blues are REAL
How to use these tips to help you combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
It’s no joke that January is gloomy, cold, and just plain BLAH. But this January takes the cake for the most gloomiest of them all. We are in the middle of a global pandemic and parts of the world, including Southern Canada, are in their second lockdown. So yeah, things have been better. It’s in this time of year that SAD comes knocking at your door and asks to take over your life.
SAD is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year, with symptoms often starting in the fall and continuing into the winter months, sapping energy and making individuals feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer. In either case, symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.
This yearly feeling may be mistaken as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk.
Fall and winter SAD
Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include:
- Irritability;
- Tiredness or low energy;
- Problems getting along with other people;
- Hypersensitivity to rejection;
- Heavy, “leaden” feeling in the arms or legs;
- Oversleeping;
- Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates;
- Weight gain.
But there are things you can do to make your symptoms better.
- Develop a consistent daily routine that incorporates physical activity. Being active will help release endorphins and give you the overall “feel good” feeling and will help make you feel stronger.
- Eat foods that a full of nutrition and will give you all the good vitamins and nutrients. The saying, “you are what you eat!” can be true in this sense!
- Get outside!! This is so important even if it’s for a short period. I know the sun can help with increasing your Vitamin D but even just getting the fresh air and extra boost of oxygen can help make you feel energized.
- Drink your water! It’s so easy to rely on caffeine when you are feeling sluggish and tired but too much caffeine can have the opposite affect of energy and make you feel dehydrated and eventually crash.
- Join a virtual group where you can just connect with like-minded people and have an outlet to share your thoughts and talk about your struggles. The power in numbers is a thing and having a supportive, motivating group that ‘gets’ you is very important.
If you tried these tips and still feel like you are suffering from severe symptoms, please speak with your doctor. Remember there is NO SHAME in asking for help. It takes a village to raise kids and be healthy so take care of yourself and know you have outlets and support!
XO
Michelle
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