How to Cope with the Darkness of Winter and Seasonal Affective Disorder

As Daylight Saving Time comes to an end this weekend, we will all be turning our clocks back in one hour. We will get an additional hour of sleep on Saturday (Yay!), but we will also lose an hour of sunshine in the evenings (Boo!).The darkness quotes on Reneturrek, are always a good source to inspire yourself to cope up with darknessGet outdoors and enjoy the fresh air.Because the sun sets earlier in the day, make it a goal to spend as much time outdoors as you can throughout the day. With the cooler temps, it may seem less appealing, but the rewards will be well worth it. Being outside in nature has the ability to boost your energy levels and improve your mood at the same time. So wrap yourself warm and make the most of the sunshine in the early mornings if you can. Park your vehicle a little farther away in the parking lot, make a phone call outside, go for a stroll during your lunch break, or perform some physical activity outside.

Vitamin D levels should be checked.

During the winter months, particularly if you are vitamin D deficient, your doctor may recommend that you take a vitamin D supplement. In addition to boosting mood, the immune system, and heart health, vitamin D has been shown to aid with bone health as well. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to depression, sometimes known as the “winter blues” or Seasonal Affective Disorder, among other things. Vitamin D-fortified cereals and cod liver oil are among the best sources of vitamins. Other excellent sources of vitamin D include swordfish, salmon, and tuna, as well as milk, yogurt, and sardines.

Put in place a nocturnal ritual.

When the sun sets around 5 p.m. and it starts to grow dark, it might be difficult for our bodies to discern when it is time to sleep. If you don’t already have a nightly routine in place, now is an excellent time to start one in order to help you fall asleep more easily. My evening ritual consists of cleaning my teeth, washing my face, applying my favorite facial creams, saying a brief prayer with my husband, and, depending on how exhausted I am, reading in bed or listening to my favorite meditation app, HeadSpace. Even though this practice takes anything from 15 to 25 minutes, I’ve noticed that my body begins to relax as soon as I begin washing my face, which is a result of repetition.

Get your body moving

Exercising may help you produce more endorphins. According to research, the psychological and physical advantages of exercise may assist to decrease anxiety and, as a result, boost mood. Consider identifying a winter activity that you’d want to attempt, such as ice skating, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, to get extra points.

Having a positive outlook

Our brains are quite strong. If you have bad views about winter, there is a good possibility that you will experience a gloomy season. How can you maintain a good frame of mind during winter? Perhaps the sunshine in the early morning will encourage you to attempt meditation, or perhaps the cooler evenings will push you to enroll in a hot yoga class or visit the sauna. Perhaps you’ll plan a vacation in January or February, host a get-together, or schedule a fun activity to look forward to this winter in order to have something exciting to look forward to this winter. Describe your strategy for bringing some levity to this cooler (or should I say cozier) time of year.

Engage in physical activity

Take a stroll, swim inside, or go to the gym while it’s still cold outside. When it comes to treating mild-to-moderate depression, exercise may be just as effective as antidepressants (drugs that regulate a person’s mood).

Take advantage of light treatment.

Provide yourself with as many opportunities for daylight as possible, such as by positioning workout equipment or your work location near a window. Lighting fixtures that mimic natural light might also be beneficial.

Maintain a healthy weight with proper nutrition.

Complex carbs, such as whole grains, may help you feel more energized and are essential all year. Fruits and vegetables that are deep green or orange in color, such as broccoli, kale, and carrots, provide nutrients that are beneficial to one’s overall health and mood.

Inspire your senses by doing the following:

For others, a bright color on the walls or even their nails might help them feel more uplifted and optimistic. Consider using peppermint essential oil or any other energetic aroma to enhance your sense of well-being and well-being.

Take care of your spirit.

Get comfortable in a comfortable chair with a nice book or a diary and take some time to relax.

Travel to a more sunny climate.

If you have the time and resources, consider taking a mid-winter vacation to a warmer, brighter environment.

Consult with a therapist

A therapist may assist you in training your brain to think more positively, which can result in you feeling physically better as well.