It’s the first day of November. I am feeling grumpy, tired and all I want to eat is cheese and bread. According to studies, I’m not alone in these feelings (ok, maybe I am with the cheese).
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. comes in winter usually and basically it makes a guy (or girl) hibernate and feel really depressed all winter long. You can only imagine what this can do to a person’s dating life. Last year I had a really bad winter, I gained weight, felt like crap and my girlfriend was pretty close to dumping me because she was so fed up.
This year I’m determined to keep sane and happy. Part of that was finding out everything I could on S.A.D. and how to keep it from taking over my life. Here’s 9 things that can help. *I am not a doctor and these are only suggestions*
1. Take vitamin D. In the winter we get less sun, which means less vitamin D. This vitamin helps with serotonin. It’s proven that if serotonin is low, then your mood will be too.
2. Exercise. I know, the last thing you want to do in winter is exercise, but it does increase endorphins and raises mood levels. Pick something like swimming, which can remind you of the summer. Go in a sauna after, relax and make it a treat. Even the YMCA usually has a sauna.
3. Light therapy. If it gets really bad, there are specifically designed lights that apparently REALLY help. Like 60% to 80% of people who use them correctly feel entirely better in a matter of a week. Those are pretty good odds. *Note* Don’t just buy a full spectrum light bulb and expect it to work, you do have to get a special lamp and sit in front of it at a certain time every day.
4. Social contact. When I’m feeling moody and down the last thing I want to do is be around people, the thing is though, it does help. I’ve actually join a bowling league for the winter just so that I’m forced to socialize every week at least. My girlfriend is going to choir this winter, she says a lot of single ladies that go report that singing helps them stay happy.
5. Meditation. This might be a little “out there” for some people. Really though, from the people that I know who’ve taken it up, it seems to chill them out and make them less anxious. It’s supposed to be about awareness, which is never really a bad thing.
6. Diet. I know food it comfort, but it’s even more depressing when you can’t fit into any of your clothes. Watch the caffeine, sugar and simple carbs, all those things can give you big energy crashes which contribute to lows. A dentist friend of mine recommended that when you eat sweets, to make sure to eat them with a meal which include protein. Apparently then you don’t get the sugar crash (and it’s better for you teeth).
7. Vacation! Hell yeah, fun in the sun. My mom goes to Florida every year in February and she always come back revived for the rest of winter. If you can afford it, get to Cuba, or Florida or somewhere warm and sunny, even if it’s just for a long weekend, it really does make a difference.
8. Talk therapy. This is if it gets really bad. There are different types you can do, like Gestalt Therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It’s important to click with a shrink, so shop around and see what’s right for you.
9. Medication. Last resort. If you feel like you’re going to off yourself or you can’t function, get yourself to a doctor. Ask them what the best drug is for what you’re going through. I’m not even going to guess about that stuff, leave that to the pros.
I’m going to give most of these a try this winter, hopefully I’ll feel better and be less of a pain in the butt to my girlfriend this year. If you have any added suggestions or thoughts please feel free to comment.
