Saturday, February 05, 2005
TOP 10 WAYS TO DEAL WITH SAD...
Many people get depressed during January and February, and one reason may be that they are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a type of winter depression that affects an estimated half a million people every Winter between September and April, in particular during December, January and February.
It is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter.
Here are some ways to deal with SAD:
1. Talk to friends... whether you go out, have them over, chat on the phone, or go online...it can help you get through those tough months.
2. Try light therapy. There are lightbulbs you can buy that simulate daylight.
3. Listen to music that makes you feel good and gives you hope about the coming spring.
4. Start a journal or blog where you can write your thoughts and feelings about life.
5. Participate in some activity that you are interested in... ie. yoga class, dance lessons, a book club.
6. Volunteer for some group that needs your help... like a homeless shelter, the humane society or a local hospital.
7. Plan your garden... get catalogues, plant indoor seedlings and bulbs, draw plans and colour them in. I have even made a catalogue of pictures of flowers that I have in my garden.
8. Take a vacation...whether it is down south or just a weekend away to visit friends.
9. Read some books that you enjoy...whether they are old friends or new finds. Remember, the libray is free!
10. Play games... with friends, neighbours or family... cards, board games or trivial pursuit.
11. Have movie nights once a week... pick movies that are funny or full of exotic locales.
SAD is a type of winter depression that affects an estimated half a million people every Winter between September and April, in particular during December, January and February.
It is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter.
Here are some ways to deal with SAD:
1. Talk to friends... whether you go out, have them over, chat on the phone, or go online...it can help you get through those tough months.
2. Try light therapy. There are lightbulbs you can buy that simulate daylight.
3. Listen to music that makes you feel good and gives you hope about the coming spring.
4. Start a journal or blog where you can write your thoughts and feelings about life.
5. Participate in some activity that you are interested in... ie. yoga class, dance lessons, a book club.
6. Volunteer for some group that needs your help... like a homeless shelter, the humane society or a local hospital.
7. Plan your garden... get catalogues, plant indoor seedlings and bulbs, draw plans and colour them in. I have even made a catalogue of pictures of flowers that I have in my garden.
8. Take a vacation...whether it is down south or just a weekend away to visit friends.
9. Read some books that you enjoy...whether they are old friends or new finds. Remember, the libray is free!
10. Play games... with friends, neighbours or family... cards, board games or trivial pursuit.
11. Have movie nights once a week... pick movies that are funny or full of exotic locales.
