Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can affect many people during the shorter days of the fall and winter. We may feel a little more tired than usual. We may struggle to get out of bed. We may feel a little more vulnerable or prone to sadness. Our bodies are sensitive to the cycles between day and night. We are often more energetic during the daytime as our bodies know that we can get our work and fun in. Daylight also influences our levels of Vitamin D, which may help to regulate our emotions. To prevent yourself from feeling overcome by the effects of SAD, try the following during the shorter days of the year:
Get Outside When You Can to Experience Some Daylight
- When the days are shorter, we might lament about our limited time for daylight.
- Even if you can only spend a few minutes outside during the day, this can be beneficial to you!
Keep Lights On at Home
- Try not to spend too much time in the dark when at home, unless you are sleeping.
- If you normally watch TV in a dark room, keep a light instead to mitigate the effects of low light levels outside.
Stick to a Schedule
- You may be tempted to sleep in or stay in bed for longer periods of time during the fall and winter.
- Try to stick to a routine bedtime and wake time to prevent yourself from falling into unhealthy sleep habits.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) begins to affect many people during the fall and winter months. As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, we may feel more fatigued or sleepy than usual. We can help ourselves by staying on a regular sleep schedule, getting exercise, finding time to get outside during the day, and using our home lights to supplement the lack of daylight. For people suffering from depression or other mood disorders, SAD can often make your symptoms worse. You may struggle to get out of bed and find yourself in deep depression as the effects of SAD get too overwhelming. If you are dealing with depression and are in need of additional help, The Guest House may be able to help you get back on the right track. Our staff can help you learn new ways to cope with your depression. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to get more information on how we can help you!