5 Ways to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as the winter blues, is a common problem. The change in weather at certain times of year can have a negative effect on your mood. In fact, many people find this occurs in the winter or after the holiday period. The weather is cold and dark, but you’ve still got to get back to work. Some of the symptoms include depression, fatigue, and a general lack of motivation. There are a few things you can do to get the spring back in your step, however. Here are five ways to combat seasonal affective disorder.

Get more exercise

Exercise has been found to be beneficial for your mental health. It can help combat stress, mood swings, and anxiety. If you’re bored of your current exercise routine, why not try something new? If the weather is cold where you are you could switch to an indoor activity, such as yoga, HIIT workouts, or other online classes. Exercise helps to fight that feeling of sluggishness and will give you an energy boost.

Light therapy

Seasonal affective disorder is associated with the lack of light during the winter months. One treatment used to combat SAD is light therapy. A light emitting device helps replace the sunlight you’ve been lacking. It’s also a good idea to go out on sunnier days, even just for a short walk to boost your vitamin D. This will also help to brighten up your mood.

Speak to your doctor

If you’re going to try a new therapy you should always speak to your doctor first. They will be able to recommend the best treatment for you. If they prescribe you with any medication to help combat depressive symptoms, it’s important to ensure your medical insurance covers this, so you can avoid Part D penalty. Your doctor will provide you with all the help and information you need.

Organize social activities

There are many proven benefits of social interaction for your mental wellbeing. Even though it’s difficult to socialize at the moment, you could try meeting a friend for walks or even organizing meetups online. If you’re feeling low one evening, give a friend or family member a call to see how they’re doing. You might find this lifts your mood and gives you more motivation. 

Try out a new hobby

Sometimes a change is as good as a rest and new hobbies can help beat depression. It’s easy to fall into a rut and lose motivation because you’re simply bored. Try something new whether it’s a sport, hobby, or online class. It’s important to challenge yourself from time to time. It can be very rewarding to learn something new. It’s also a great way to clear your mind. If you’re the creative type, you could try arts and crafts at home. You could also learn a new recipe, or do some DIY around the house, whatever appeals most to your interests. A new activity will help you focus your mind and feel motivated.

3 Signs You Aren't Taking Care Of Yourself

It is no secret that it has been a challenging year. With so many different things to think about - from losing out on work to ensuring you can pay the bills, you've likely put self-care on the back burner. Unfortunately, this happens all too often, even without the extra stress that 2020 has brought along. 

As a result, you must develop healthy habits to take care of yourself. Remember, if you don't look after yourself - you can't look after others.

With that in mind, here are three signs you aren't taking care of yourself.

You're always tired

It's okay to feel tired from time to time, especially if you're reaching the end of a long week. However, if you are exhausted continuously - it is a clear sign that you aren't taking care of yourself properly. When you are tired, you are less productive, irritable and can even make yourself sick. Therefore, you must begin to prioritize rest and relaxation over being always on the go.

Here are some things you can do to combat fatigue. 

• Go to bed earlier.

• Turn off your phone an hour before you sleep, giving you time to wind down. 

• Avoid caffeine in the evenings, helping you drift into sleep.

• Don't overexert yourself. 

• Consult with a doctor to find out if you have an iron deficiency. 

• Meditate 

• Take part in some light exercise that can improve your energy levels

You're often sick

Getting sick is often unavoidable - and we all have a terrible cold now and then. However, if you find that you are always sick - be that coughing or sneezing - you need to try and find ways to boost your immune system and better protect yourself from illness. Here's how!

• Get enough rest, as this can weaken your immune system.

• Exercise regularly, at least three times a week.

• Prioritise self-care, don't let stress consume you

• Follow a healthy, balanced diet  healthy, balanced diet that can boost your immunity 

• Cut down on unhealthy snacks and alcohol 

• Take vitamin supplements when necessary

You don't seek help when you need it. 

Many of us chose to avoid our problem for as long as possible. Say you have fallen over at work and hurt your wrist. You may shrug off the initial pain and hope for it to go away over time, ignoring the fact that you could have sustained a severe injury. This avoidance is a clear sign that you aren't taking good care of yourself, and you should always ensure you seek help or additional treatment after an injury such as this. Then, if you want to make a claim, you can get in touch with professional injury lawyers, such as Prince Law Firm, who can use the medical evidence and records to support your claim. 

Though many of us are quick to ignore physical injuries, emotional pain is disregarded even quicker. However, if you are bottling up feelings of anxiety, depression or stress, they will only build up over time. You cannot merely box them away and forget about them - they'll find a way out. Therefore, you must reach out when you need help - whether you talk to a friend or a professional - it will make a huge difference.