Staying Positive: Seasonal affective disorder

Nov 17, 2019 | PRAXES Team

Dark days of November got you down? As we move towards the shortest and darkest day of the year, try these tips to stay positive!

Spend more time outdoors during the day
Try to arrange the spaces you spend time in to maximize sunlight exposure
Keep curtains open during the day
Trim tree branches or hedges that may be blocking some of the light from getting into your home
Move furniture so that you sit near a window or, if you exercise indoors, set up your exercise equipment by a window
Install skylights and add lamps
Build physical activity into your lifestyle preferably before SAD symptoms take hold. Physical activity relieves stress, builds energy and increases both your physical and mental well-being and resilience
Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk, particularly if you commute to school or work in the dark hours of the day
When all else fails, try a winter vacation in sunny climates—if the pocketbook and work schedule allow. Keep in mind that the symptoms will recur after you return home
Try to resist the carbohydrate and sleep cravings that come with SAD

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