Tips to Avoid or Minimize Seasonal Affective Disorder

With the cold weather hovering over North America, more people are staying indoors and getting less sunlight and fresh air.  In many people this causes SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder.  That feeling of melancholy can be negated and we hope that these tips give you some ideas of options to consider!

  • Catch some rays: One of the best ways to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is light therapy, which involves exposing yourself to a lamp that produces bright light. Get in your daily dose of natural sunlight by taking walks or enjoying the outdoors.
  • Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is a great way to help with SAD. Aim for about 30 minutes of physical activity, like a walk or jog, every day.
  • Make sure you’re eating the right stuff: Having a balanced diet can work wonders for your emotional state and reduce those SAD symptoms. Load up on fruits, veggies, and lean meats to make sure you have all the nutrients you need.
  • Take a few minutes to relax your mind and body – try meditating or using deep breathing exercises. Doing this can help lower stress levels and make you feel better
  • Aim for a good night’s rest; it can help with Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms. Try to get between 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
  • Stay in touch: Don’t avoid talking to your loved ones even if you don’t feel like it. Having close people by your side can be hugely beneficial for dealing with SAD.
  • If SAD is causing you difficulty, seek help from a mental health expert. They can support you and find the best treatment options for your situation.
  • Don’t let screens keep you up at night. The blue light that comes off of them can mess with your sleep and make SAD worse, so give yourself some tech-free time in the evening!
  • If you’re not getting enough sunlight, using a SAD lamp is an option worth considering. These lamps basically imitate sunlight and can help improve your mood and overall well-being.
  • If trying other treatments haven’t worked for you, you should consider seeing your doctor and see what other options may be available.

We hope this helps you with your overall mood during the colder months.  We carry a wide range of hobby daylight lamps, reading daylight lamps and more.