S.A.D? You’re not alone
For some, the first snowfall signals an unfortunate emotional response called the “winter blues”. Some people interpret winter as being a lonely, dark, and an overall depressing time of year. Feelings of hopelessness and sadness can become overwhelming and really place a strain on the mind. Sleep schedules go out of whack, carbs become a real comfort, and it seems like the negative thoughts never end. A decrease in mood is predominant, as real emotions get replaced by that “meh” feeling. There is a diagnosis for this ailment – S.A.D. Seasonal Affective Disorder refers to prolonged annual feelings of depression during a specified season – the season often being winter. It’s kind of sad that the acronym is S.A.D. because it is such a recurring theme. If you are feeling sad this winter, do not lose hope, because there are many ways to help yourself embrace the weather.
Winter depression is believed to be related to light, meaning the lack of sun due to shortened daylight hours. In the wintertime, we absorb less vitamin D from the sun than the rest of the year. Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” the lack of vitamin D is known to be related to depression. Everybody knows the feeling of going through the entire day and then realizing you haven’t gone outdoors yet. Sunshine and happiness seem to go together, so waking up early to enjoy the small amount of sun we are awarded is a way to feel more energized. Milk, eggs, and orange juice all contain vitamin D, so a good breakfast can actually make you happier. Participating in a winter sport is another way to get outside regularly or on occasion. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, skating, tobogganing are all options.
Winter is unavoidably an archetype for death, so it’s difficult to ignore the real-life symbolism sometimes. The trees lose their leaves, and it seems as though the entire world turns grey. The challenge is to not let it get to you. Ignore the fact that everyone is sickly and the snow is only going to be pretty for a little while. In my unprofessional opinion, friends and family are the best cure for sadness. Spending time with someone you love and who loves you is the best possible distraction. If you’re not feeling social, there’s nothing wrong with watching a movie, playing video games, or doing something creative to divert your mind.
Maybe animals hibernate for a reason other than the decrease in available food and difficulty surviving in the winter. It is easier to stay in bed, than it is to get out of it, but we’re not bears, so oversleeping is not healthy. It’s important to be motivated to get out of bed, as well as to get to sleep at a reasonable hour. Eating healthy is another way to feel better in general. It is a challenge during this time of year because there are cookies and mashed potatoes everywhere, but don’t forget about eating fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is a natural way to prevent becoming sick.
All I’m saying is that, although winter can suck, there are many ways to pick yourself up – they just take more effort than they normally would. S.A.D is not uncommon, and a fair portion of the population experiences the winter blues. Try not to over think the negative things and don’t let stress become overwhelming. Take time to appreciate the people and talents that you are blessed with in life. If you are reading this newspaper, you are privileged, so make sure to not take anything for granted. Decorate for Christmas; make plans with friends, and maybe even play in the snow. So now when the snow falls, don’t let your spirit falter.