by Jen | Sep 30, 2015 | Happiness at Home

The days being shorter, colder temperatures, less (or no) sunlight and you have the recipe for what many experience as the blahs, seasonal funk, winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  SAD is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.

Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year–despite the lack of sunlight with these tips:

1. A Light Box.  Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions. A light box mimics outdoor light. Researchers believe this type of light causes a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD. Most people use light boxes for a minimum of 30 minutes each morning.  Light therapy is also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy. Improves mood and energy.  (The Mayo Clinic)

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