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The Top 5 Tips For Surviving Seasonal Depression

Fall is in the air and nothing is better than Sweater Weather, Pumpkin Spice flavored EVERYTHING, and cozying up on the couch with your favorite blanket to binge on the latest Netflix series. While we love the crisp autumn air, this is also the beginning Seasonal Affective Disorder aka SAD.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, SAD is a type of depression that occurs most often in fall and winter months, when there is less sunlight, shorter days and your body is producing more melatonin. Women and young people are more likely to experience SAD, as are those who live farther away from the equator.

To help manage Seasonal Affective Disorder, check out these helpful tips!

1. Get Some Vitamin D!

If you have seasonal depression or wintertime SAD, you'll want to get outside as much as you can during the day to take advantage of what sunlight there is. While experts do not know if taking vitamin D supplements can relieve symptoms of SAD, ensuring you get enough sunlight during the day and incorporating vitamin D rich foods into your diet may help. Be sure to talk to your doctor to see if you can test your vitamin D levels and if supplements would be the right thing for you.

2. Move Your Body

On cold days, bundle up and take a stroll around the block at noon or soon after — that's when the sun is brightest. Exercise can not only help with alleviating seasonal depression but can help to bring in the feel good endorphins that can help kick the winter blues. If you don’t want to brace the cold, get into a group fitness class or break a sweat at home with online instructional workout videos and memberships.

3. Prioritize Social Outings

It is easy to stay cooped up in the house when the weather is cold but studies show a great way to beat the winter blues is to fill your calendar with enjoyable activities. Finding creative ways to stay connected with others during times of increased isolation is important! Hosting Sunday Brunch at your place, planning a friend’s winter trip or discovering a new hobby like indoor rock climbing are great things to look forward to each month to make those colder months pass by! Balling on a budget? Meet friends at a local park for sled riding or playing outdoor sports!

4. Get a Sun Lamp

Heard of Bright Light Therapy? Bright Light Therapy that gives you exposure to artificial light to help keep your circadian rhythm on track. A great way to try bright light therapy is by using a phototherapy box that gives off light that mimics natural sunshine and can help to manage one's seasonal depression. Experts usually recommend using the light box within the first hour after you wake up in the morning. As always be sure to talk to your Doctor to make sure Bright Light Therapy is right for you.

5. Stick To The Same Bedtime Routine

Maintaining a schedule during the week can help with sleep, which can help to ease some symptoms for SAD. The same way you hear people share their morning routines, the same should ring true for going to bed. Going to bed at the same time every night, Black Out curtains, a sound machine, temperature below 70 and maybe even an aromatherapy diffuser could be the perfect set up for a glorious restful night and help fight of SAD.

And there you have it. My 5 top tips for beating Seasonal Depression. Do you have any tips of your own?

Drop them below and share your knowledge!