There are a bunch of strategies for living with SAD. In my experience, the first thing that you need to know about coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder is that you are not alone. If you’re not sure what this condition is, check out my 10 Facts About SAD here. The truth is, the changes and transitions that happen in ourselves and within nature are normal…sometimes, we just need to take the time that it takes to provide ourselves with an extra boost to thrive. So, whether you’ve got a mild or serious case of the seasonal blues, let’s take a look at what we can do to help bring those symptoms into balance.
10 Effective Strategies for Living With SAD
Remember, just because we have a set of symptoms that were assigned a label, it doesn’t mean that we can’t still thrive all year long.
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Increase your exposure to light.
- Home remedies are sometimes all you need.
- Try using brighter lights and spending more time outdoors in the sun. Morning light is especially important.
- Try out light therapy. If your symptoms are more intense, your physician will probably prescribe light therapy.
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Get more exercise.
- Regular exercise is beneficial for coping with most forms of depression, including SAD. Schedule a workout first thing in the morning like a brisk walk around the neighborhood or Tai Chi in your backyard.
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Manage stress.
- Be extra gentle with yourself while you’re recovering. Take time to relax through meditation or listening to instrumental music.
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Aim for good quality sleep.
- Your body will try to get extra sleep when you have SAD. Help make that slumber restorative by avoiding alcohol and caffeine and sticking to a regular early bedtime.
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Watch your weight.
- SAD can lead to weight gain. Protect your health by exercising longer to burn more calories. When you get cravings, reach for healthy, low-fat carbohydrates like whole wheat bread and brown rice.
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Do some traveling.
- If your budget and schedule permit, SAD is one of the few issues you can run away from. Go where the weather suits your needs better. Try spending a week in Jamaica.
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Stick with your doctor’s recommendations.
- Your doctor can advise you on whether antidepressants may be helpful. Even if your symptoms clear up, follow your doctor’s recommendations.
- Be aware that if you discontinue treatment too soon, you may suffer a rebound.
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Be Social
- Attend at least 1 group activity a week
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Go To Yoga
- Dedicating time and attention to your mind-body connection can strengthen your resilience to both inner and outer stimuli.
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See a counselor.
- Talk therapy is another valuable resource. It may help you address underlying issues and keep SAD from interfering with your daily life.
Sit With Solutions
Don’t forget, all of these strategies are part of a natural regimen designed to increase your quality of life. While seasonal transitions can seem daunting, they are also opportunities to appreciate nature’s flux. Shake up your daily routines and settle into the season at hand. Living with SAD doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly upsetting.
Be patient with yourself.
Explore the Possibilities.
Live in ways that support you.