With the onset of winter, everything seems darker. In Canada it is called going into hibernation mode. It is the time to eat more, sleep more and just be inside more. However this can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or the winter blues as some would say. This is due to not getting enough Vitamin D or light, which is commonly given to us from the sun. With shorter days coming and more rainy weather ahead it is a good idea to start making a plan so that you can stay healthy and happy.
There are a lot of simple things that can be done and new habits to create while the weather is shifting. Some ways to beat SAD are as follows:
1. Get outside, even for a 10 minute walk, smell the air (fresh rain water…can’t beat it!). This is the most simple way to stay cheery.
2. Wear bright colors, if you are wearing amazing colors, yellow, orange, red, green , blue, you mimic those bright colors in mood.
3. Light candles, having that comfortable, light that radiates a mood of tranquility and comfort helps to relax the mind and ease the soul.
4.Refrain from sugar, when we eat sugar we have the highest highs, but also the lowest lows. Do your best to mediate your sugar levels especially in this food filled season.
6.Gym Time!! Outside just not cutting it for you, join a gym and exercise and pump up those amazing endorphin’s.
7.Friends are the best medicine, go for coffee, lunches, and laugh like a hyena.
8. Go on a trip north, chase the sun… nothing more needed to say.
9.Create a project for yourself, when you stimulate your brain, you stimulate your mood to focus and this keeps you smiling.
10.Fake and Bake, with a boost of light and a bit of a tan your mood glows. Just remember, everything in moderation.
SAD symptoms can affect people at different levels. Low level symptoms include feeling a lack of motivation, wanting comfort food and just a feeling of blues. SAD can be quite serious and lead to depression but if this is something you are worried about please inform your doctor.
Remember, “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
Barefoot and Soul 
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for excellent information I was looking for
this information for my mission.
Hey there, thanks for your comment!!! My information comes from being a Canadian and having this be a real issue every winter. So it is common knowledge that this kind of depression is due to the lack of vitamin D and the amount of sunless days that arise due to winter. 🙂 But you can definitely find lots of info on the internet about it as well. 🙂 Cheers!!