7 Helpful Tips to Help You Overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Since Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is associated with many symptoms and has an unpleasant effect on a person’s life, there are some helpful tips to follow in order to get back on track and overcome this condition. SAD is a common condition affecting a lot of people during the transition of the weather specifically when sunlight becomes lesser or in some areas, absent. It is a mysterious disorder that is not well understood by professionals. It is thought to be related to chemical imbalance in the body and has something to do with melatonin and serotonin. Lack of sunlight may be a trigger factor thus SAD usually happens around end of September all the way to April. Here are some helpful tips to help you get the blues away:

1. Perform some exercises

Exercise had been proven to help a lot of people. It may be hard to get your body to move but it is worth the effort. Rigorous exercise is required and you need to sweat it out. Brisk walking, running, hill sprint which is a great work out, cycling and running on the treadmill, calisthenics, swimming and many others. Perform activities that require you to exert some effort. You may even consider chopping some woods as well as long as you do not cheat on yourself. Do whatever it takes to feel better and that includes sweating it out. Stretching can condition your body prior to performing a good work out.

2. Step into the light

Go out of the house and do some outdoor activities. If you are inside your house, turn on the lights. Keep the house well lit. Sit next to a lamp and read a book that speaks about being positive in life or read relaxing magazines. You may also choose to write down your feelings in a journal. Unless it is dark outside, you might want to keep your windows open.

3. Call someone that you trust over the phone

It is important that you talk to someone whom you can really trust. This can be a good therapy for you. A nice conversation with someone is a good way to release your emotions. Confide on a close friend or relative. It is a good way to take some of your spare time out of your hands.

4. Join a Support Group

Keep in mind that you are not the only one suffering from this condition. There are other people who feel the same way as you do and some even have worse cases. Joining a support group in your area can help you understand yourself better. It helps to have a conversation with other people who knows exactly how you feel. Call your doctor if he can recommend a group that you can join in. You may also try looking in the “mental health” section of your yellow pages.

5. Take Antidepressant medications

Accept that fact that you need help and do not be ashamed to deal with your problem. All people suffer from sorts of problems at some point in their lives. This is normal and could happen to anyone. Do not feel guilty to ask for help. There are medications which are formulated to treat depression and they can help you get back on your normal self. Be patient as it usually takes 3-4 weeks for these medications to stabilize in your blood stream and reach the ideal level of concentration. People respond differently to drugs that is why you may encounter one that does not work well for you and another that does deliver results. Remember to consult with your doctor and make an appropriate appointment to have your problem addressed properly.

6. Phototherapy Lights

Talk to your doctor about phototherapy lights. These are proven to help in treating the symptoms of SAD in just 2 hours per day. Phototherapy lights delivered positive results in some individuals.

7. Find your Purpose

Finding a purpose is something that you used to enjoy prior to feeling the symptoms of SAD. Get yourself back into this project in order to divert your attention. You can choose to write it down just like a report, spend your time in the kitchen to cook, create some artworks or crafts, enhance your musical skills, paint or learn how to play an instrument. You may choose to write some songs while playing the guitar. This can be your therapy. Turn your feelings into a work of art. Do things that you know you are good at to keep your mind preoccupied. You may also try new things to explore your abilities such as writing poems, singing or even dancing.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a condition that can be hard to manage if you are not willing to help yourself. It is possible to overcome it as long as you do the right activities and take care of yourself. You can chase the blues away by helping yourself get back on track. It starts within you.