7 Tips for Managing the WInter Blues

 

For us living in beautiful Vancouver and the Lower Mainland we are fortunate in that we seldom have to deal with the snow and cold temperatures that our neighbours in other provinces in Canada experience every winter.  This doesn't mean thought that we are immune to the effects of winter. On the contrary, British Columbians receives some of the lowest levels of winter sunlight in the country.

 

As the seasons change from autumn to winter many of us may begin to experience some symptoms of depression. Some of us may have noticed a slowing in our metabolism and energy levels, while others may notice a change in sleep pattern and that falling asleep has become harder. 

 

As our energy level decreases so does our motivation to perform those activities that are part of our usual routine and that help us maintain our emotional and physical well-being. We may notice that our thoughts tend to gravitate towards the negative side, we might feel more irritable in our interpersonal relationships and withdraw, or we might even notice a slowing in our work performance. 

 

These changes are often associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a diagnosable mental health condition that has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain. It affects about a quarter of us and is linked to a shortening of daylight hours and a lack of sunlight in the winter.

 

So how can we manage SAD, or the Winter Blues, before it manages us? Here are a few strategies:

 

• Increase your exposure to the sun. This includes going for regular walks outside and arranging your office or home so that you are exposed to a window during the day.  Going for a walk outside during your lunch break should make a different.

 

• Maintain your exercise routine. Cardiovascular exercise releases certain hormones like endorphin into the brain, which can help elevate your mood when you feel down.

 

• Resist the carbohydrate craving that come with SAD by sticking to a sensible diet.  

 

• Increase your intake of the 'sunshine vitamin', Vitamin D. 

 

• Invest in a sunlamp. Many people find that using a sunlamp a few minutes every day keeps many of the symptoms of SAD at bay.  

 

• Plan a sunny getaway.  Winter time is often a great time to shop for cheap vacation deals and just one week in a sunny destination might be all that you need to 'put things right'.

 

• Medication. For some people it might be necessary to take medication to get them through the winter. Speak to your Naturopathic Doctor or General Practitioner about options.

 

So next time you feel like packing your bags and moving to Australia, get out those exercise shoes, call a friend, or head out to your nearest travel agent for that long overdo getaway.