How to Avoid the affects of SAD

SAD the acronym for Seasonal Affective Disorder is a disposition developed during the winter months in response to less light and dreary weather. SAD can manifest itself through depression, mood alliterations, weight gain, sleep changes and diet changes. Many people are affected by SAD and don't even realize that is the reason why they are feeling so unlike themselves. The best way to deal with SAD is by arming yourself with knowledge and implementing positive routines into your daily life.

 Hopefully, at the moment you are experiencing much jubilee with the preparations for Christmas that you have not felt the affects of SAD but now is the time to get into good habits that will carry through the new year. The fact is when January rolls around and all your Christmas decorations are packed away and family gatherings are no more there is a great chance of getting the full effects of SAD.

How to overcome the unlikable affects of SAD? First, you need to realize that the affects of SAD are real and can really make you gloomy so you need to be proactive and invest some effort. There are light boxes that can be found through many different websites on the internet. The light boxes are to look into, to be exposed to more light which mimics outdoor light. The exposure to light from the light box causes a change within the brain that then improves mood and disposition.

Other than the light boxes that are available in abundance there are many ways you can improve your dispositions and endure the winter months happily;

1. Have something to look forward to. A vacation, a family visit, a movie release basically anything that keeps you excited. Have pictures of whatever it is you are looking forward to around; at your work, in your kitchen, by your bed. Just having a reminder will help you stay focused during the cold winter months and lighten your mood when days seem dreary.
2. Exercise! Exercise really does make you happy. The very act of moving for a period of time creates hormonal changes that improve health and attitude. Also exercise not only helps you feel better, it makes you look better and can be a social activity and social event can often lack during the cooler months.
3. Yoga or meditation. Take time to clear your thoughts on a daily basics, this will improve you in a holistic manner. Basically it will detoxify your thoughts and de-stress your mind.
4. Plan social activities. Say yes to all the social activities you get invited to, invite people over. Just be around people. Be around positive people, their positivity will rub off on you.
5. Eat healthy. Just fill up on fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water. Eat reasonable portions.
6. Fill your home with happy pictures. Pictures of places that hold fond memories, pictures of people you love, pictures of nature, pictures that inspire.
7. Listen to uplifting music. Music is SO powerful so USE IT!