Fall brings beautiful colors, crisp invigorating air,
football games, hot chocolate, and bonfires. Winter brings cozy nights watching
old movies, celebration and holiday parties, and the quiet and stillness of the
first snow. It is a beautiful time of
year for colors, smells, and spending time with family and friends. However, for some folks the seasonal
changes can make them lose motivation, experience lack of energy, even feel
depressed. This is what is known as
S.A.D. or Seasonal Affective Disorder.
SAD can happen to anyone and not just in the winter, but it
is the most common time of year due to lack of sunlight, so experts believe. Typically
people who are sensitive to SAD will start to experience the effects in the
Fall, and begin to feel better at the first sign of Spring. But you dont have
to chalk it up to the "winter blues" and suffer. There are a few
things you can try to put pep in your step, stabilize your mood, and embrace
the energy of the season.
- Dont overdo it!- The end of the year is a time for
"hustle and bustle", lots of holiday parties, deadlines at work, and
family commitments. Pace yourself. Try not to commit to every invitation, do
some of your shopping on line, dont be afraid to ask for help.
-Get more daylight!- The days are shorter and the most
common reason for SAD. Open the curtains during the day, bundle up and go
outside for a brisk, invigorating walk! Talk to your doctor about Light Therapy options.
-Commit to your workouts!- Consistent exercise can help boost
your mood and reduce stress. Make your workout a priority.
-Continue to practice healthy habits!- Just because the
holidays at the end of the year encourage parties with sweet indulgences and
excessive alcohol, this doesnt give us a green light for discarding our healthy
habits. Eat a well balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and adequate protein,
aim for 8 hours of sleep each night, limit added sugars, and drink at least 8
glasses of water per day.
-Reach out!- Some people tend to hibernate in the colder
weather months. If you feel yourself withdrawing and wanting to spend a lot of
time alone, reach out and call a friend or loved one. Make a coffee date or look
for volunteer opportunities!
The one thing to remember is to take care of you! Be patient
with yourself and practice self care. If you feel you are struggling and the
symptoms are so profound that it is effecting your quality of life, seek help
from your doctor.
Best in health,
Carol Ann
Creator of My Healthy Friends Fitness Group
myhff.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/myhealthyfriendsfitness/
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