Fall is almost upon us, and with that comes the shortening of days and frigidity in the air. Gone are those long, hot, and sunny summer days, and people are often left depressed in its wake. There is a name for the blues some people experience in the colder months; seasonal affective disorder (SAD). When left unchecked, it can lead to serious depression and a whole host of issues, so it’s best to be avoided. Here are four tips to beat SAD, and to make fall and winter just as fun and exciting as summer:
- Vitamin D: this vitamin is vital in maintaining good mood, and it’s most readily available through the sun. Long, dark days make it harder to get sunshine, so make sure you go outside for at least ten minutes a day in the sun. If not possible, pop a Vitamin D supplement, your mood will thank you.
- Go on vacation; having something to look forward to does wonders for the mood, and a change of scenery and pace can defeat the cold season doldrums. Plan a trip, it doesn’t have to be extravagant or exotic, and see how your perspective changes.
- Exercise: activity of all forms, especially cardio, has been proven to boost endorphin production, a hormone responsible for good mood. Working out outside can provide the double whammy of activity and sunshine, but the gym is an excellent resource when it gets ugly out there.
- Pamper yourself; with the nasty weather, short days, and holidays of the colder months, people often neglect themselves. It’s important to take care of yourself on a personal level, be it massage, a pedicure, or even just a hot bath. Make sure this fall and winter you don’t forget about yourself, and if a schoolwork-overload is preventing you from some pampering, visit Unemployed Professors, who specialize in your well-being.