Somehow, the novelty of a "snow day" wears off quickly when you have snow day after snow day after snow day!
Although it looks pretty as it is falling, snow becomes a mess when you are trying to navigate roads (and parking lots!) Commute times are lengthened and patience runs short.
First and foremost, we must wonder WHY we put ourselves through this! Frigid temperatures, ice, and snow do not add up to most people's idea of a "good time!"
But then again, maybe it does add up.... This is one of the best ski seasons in our region. Yes, skiing is expensive (but then again, so is therapy- LOL!). Sledding, ice skating, building snow forts... these are not activities just for "kids!" (and they are pretty low-cost!) Winter is a great time to get outside and be active (provided that the temperature is not -10 with the windchill factor!).
"Embracing" winter and all that it has to offer is easier than "hibernating" through it. I think the hibernation component is a contributing factor to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a very real condition, and can be debilitating for some people.
Commonly referred to as the "winter blues," SAD impacts as many as a half-million people each winter. Of interest, women experience SAD at higher percentages than men, and (obviously?) people who live further from the equator are at higher risk. So, short of moving (or having a gender change operation), what can one do to manage symptoms such as irritable and/or anxious mood, sleep changes, carbohydrate cravings, and feelings of sadness?
Regular exercise is important. Indoor exercise is beneficial, but outdoor activity offers the added bonus of fresh air! (Yes, I am giving another shameless "plug" for skiing!) Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule (even on weekends!) is helpful in battling fatigue. Research has also shown that increasing Vitamin D intake is helpful with mood support. However, I am not a physician, so speak to your doctor about these options.
For more serious cases of SAD, people have had positive results with light box therapy. The light mimics natural sunlight, which seems to help with mood. Although these are available for purchase on the internet, it is still a good idea to speak with your doctor before trying this option. And, since you are already speaking with your doctor, you may want to discuss if anti-depressant medication could be an appropriate treatment option. Many people take this type of medication during the winter months.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention therapy as a great treatment option for SAD. At a minimum, it results in getting you outside to get to your appointment- lol! Therapy can be helpful in providing strategies for dealing with mood issues, and also provides a level of "accountability" in how you are following through with utilizing those tools. However, my ultimate dream job is to become the "skiing therapist!" (Yes, that is my FINAL "plug" for skiing!)
Be well,
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