How to ward off the winter blues

Seasonal depression affects many of us in very negative ways. Although we may not be able to avoid SAD, as it has been dubbed by mental illness professionals, there are steps that can be taken to ease the pain.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The first and most important step that can be taken in ease the pain of seasonal depression is to talk to someone. It is not necessary that this person be a professional, although this may be beneficial, a family member or friend can also provide the support that you need during this time. The seclusion that the cold sometimes causes can do terrible things to the spirit, therefore don’t allow the dreary weather to keep you from the outside world.

2. Invest in the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort can be purchased over the counter and is used by many to ease the symptoms of depression.

3. Give the tanning bed a visit, the lack of sunlight in the wintertime is one of the primary causes of seasonal depression, and although a tanning bed can not replace natural sunlight it may just be the next thing. Although in any other situation I would discourage you from visiting a tanning bed, when the winter blues hit hard, the benefits may outweigh the disadvantages.

4. Watch a funny movie, laughter will nearly always brighten your mood, not to mention that it has been said that laughing burns about 50 calories in 15 minutes. When all else fails laughter really is the best medicine.

Tips & Warnings

• Please be aware that I am not a doctor and that it may be necessary that you consult a doctor before taking any new supplements.

[sunshine11219]

on 11/13/2008 great article

[Bgal]

on 11/7/2008 Nice. 5*

[bake4u]

on 6/26/2008 yes please do address the opinion of a doctor when taking st. john's wart, sometimes getting ready for the winter months think of what sort of hobby you might like to do during these months, could be from crocheting to doing mosiac's completing before spring. thanks for the article,

[bake4u]

on 6/26/2008 yes please do address the opinion of a doctor when taking st. john's wart, sometimes getting ready for the winter months think of what sort of hobby you might like to do during these months, could be from crocheting to doing mosiac's completing before spring. thanks for the article,

[Pixie1976]

on 6/12/2008 Oh my goodness, yes the winter blues are real. Somebody ought to write a song about them. Oh those winter blues!