Fighting Depression In The Winter
Most people who live in a place with changing seasons experience some symptoms of depression in the winter time. There is a clinical condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder. This condition is diagnosed when the symptoms are extreme and interfere with the individual’s life. S. A. D. is believed to be caused by the absence of enough sunlight in the winter, and is often treated with light therapy.
Although S. A. D. sufferers have more intense symptoms, many of us undergo some change in mood during the winter months. We may feel laziness and an increased need for sleep. The cold makes us want to stay inside our houses. We want to eat warm, starchy, creamy foods that are more fattening than the fruits we might crave in the summertime.
All of these things result in feelings of at least mild depression. We start to feel isolated and stagnant. It is important to find ways to combat these feelings during the winter. Here are a few ideas for pulling yourself out of a winter slump.
Take Up A New Hobby
Is there an instrument that you’ve always wanted to learn to play? Did you buy an Alvarez acoustic guitar a year ago, but still haven’t gotten around to learning to play? Buy an instructional CD and get started! Winter is a wonderful time to begin on the hobbies you’ve been putting off. If you’ve always wanted to paint, buy some supplies and just do it! Make wise use of your time at home.
Get Out Of the House
One of the problems with winter is that we feel trapped in our houses or apartments. This is generally only in our heads, though. The cold is not as terrible as we perceive it to be. Go out for a meal with a friend you haven’t seen in a while, or just get coffee. Invite your sister to join you on a quest for the perfect leather brown boots. Just getting out of your house and changing your scenery can make a huge difference.
Get Some Exercise
Exercise is one of the most useful tools in combating all types of depression. It releases endorphins, which are body chemicals that lift your mood. Although it is often too cold in the winter months to exercise outside, there are definitely some days where the temperature is mild enough for a brisk walk. You could also join a gym, or, if you have weight lifting equipment at home, begin a muscle workout routine.
If you make a little bit of an attempt, the winter blahs don’t have to get the best of you. Try any of these activities, and before you know it, winter will be over and spring will be here!

