Combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder

Found yourself abandoning all hope of seeing sunshine again? Ready to slit your wrists in the employee bathroom because you still have 2 more hours of work and it's pitch-dark outside? Well, you're not alone. Here are some tips for boosting your morale.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD; how fitting) affects many, many Americans. There are various physiological theories that support the chemical legitimacy of the disorder. There is no concrete, scientific evidence that charts SAD as a medical disease, however it is quite well-documented that the dimming light in the winter months spells gloomy moods.

The best way to combat these blues is to remain active. In the summers it's common to go outside, play in the park, go running, hiking, swimming, etc. In the winter, it's often too chilly or nasty to hit the streets as enthusiastically. But, it's important both for your physical and mental health to keep your body busy. If it's too chilly or rainy or snowy, invest in some inexpensive exercise equipment and transform your basement or garage into your workout haven. If you enjoy trail-running, embrace the changing of the seasons, gear up, and run through the elements. It can be quite liberating to accept the things you cannot change, and instead charge through the rain and cold.

If exercise isn't doing the trick, consider light therapy. There are inexpensive light boards that you can place in front of your workspace ensuring plenty of exposure. This is an accepted method of dealing with SAD--especially in areas of Alaska where six months of the year there can be continual darkness. Another light option is to hit a tanning booth. This method isn't as highly recommended as there are health risks; however laying or standing in a booth for less than seven minutes usually can cure your blues without risking serious consequences.

Another great method is to spend time with others. While you can vent your frustrations, it also is an opportunity to take your mind off the weather and the light, and enjoy someone else's company. Find activities that are positive and engaging and require you to leave the house. The crummy weather in the winter lends well to hibernation tendencies; work to fight these couch-surfing urges by planning activities.

One last way to boost morale is to help others. Join a volunteer organization or a non-profit and offer your time to champion a cause. Volunteer at a hospital or a soup kitchen. Deliver food to shut ins at Christmas. Cook turkeys for the homeless at Thanksgiving. Just get involved; I promise it'll make you feel great, and you'll be helping your community.