» Health: Beat the Winter Blues
The festive season is almost upon us but Zara Baker discovers it’s not all smiles and celebrations
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… or so the song goes. As the festive parties begin and decorations adorn shop fronts and homes, the darker side of winter can hide behind all the cheer.
It’s a stressful time for those with families, as the prospect of sharing Christmas and whose house to visit first can cause upset. For those without family, Christmas can also be a lonely time.
Add Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to the mix and you may just feel like hibernating until spring. Unfortunately, that’s not an option so here’s some tips for beating the winter blues.
SAD affects an estimated half a million people in the UK. The early evenings and cold, dark mornings result in a lack of sunlight exposure – a source of Vitamin D. Feeling low and fatigued with a disturbed sleep may be a result of this. SAD affects men and women but women are more likely to suffer.
If you feel down it may be SAD. Light boxes can help as they simulate daylight. The results are a happier and more alert self.
Fight back against SAD, get out in the fresh air when you feel like curling up indoors and have a brisk walk.
A great way to beat the winter blues is to exercise. Endorphins are released, which lift the mood. Rope a friend or family member in on the action to keep each other motivated. If you tire of routine, set aside a time and date but keep the form of exercise spontaneous. A swim one week and a run the next will keep an exercise regime interesting.
If lifestyle changes – diet, exercise and fresh air – do not seem to be effective, the most beneficial treatment is to talk to someone. Financial worries, family stress or work stress can all affect our mood. Talk to a close friend, family member or GP about how you’re feeling. If you’re overwhelmed, set limits on peoples’ demands for your time and have some essential ‘me’ time. If talking is too hard, keep a journal to keep tabs on your mood. If you write down what you eat and the exercise you undertake alongside your mood, you may see some interesting patterns emerge. Then, you can start the change and get happy.
