The gloomy weather and monotony of winter life can really be a bummer. But it doesn’t have to get you down. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is known to hit people hard as the winter drags on. Here is an article on how to keep your spirits up during the winter months.
From Oz Garcia for the Huffington Post: There is no denying that winter has hit the New York City area. No matter how many inches of snow we accumulate, every year we suffer from the overcast skies, bitter cold and lack of sunshine. All of these elements negatively affect our moods.
The severity of the depression that comes with the changing weather and shorter days depends on the individual. Some people who are more vulnerable are diagnosed with “seasonal affective disorder” or SAD. Those affected may withdraw from social situations, have trouble sleeping or sleep too much, become physically ill or feel extremely tired. Even if you’re not officially diagnosed with SAD, the symptoms exist as a real issue for many people who live in colder climate regions.
In order to combat the negative effects of the season, I like to take a lot of mini vacations to Coconut Grove, Miami to spend time with my mother. Every time I step off the plane I am overwhelmed by how euphoric I become when I feel the warm air and the sun on my face. While there, I spend a lot of time running by the canal and on the beach. I swim and spend time in the sun and by the time I am ready to head back to the cold of New York City, I feel rejuvenated.
To read the rest of the article, click here.
You should also always to stay properly hydrated during the winter months. It is easy to forget to drink water when it is cold out. Drinking plenty of liquids helps keep your body functioning properly. You feel more alert and less sluggish.
Keeping a full Hydro Flask with you at the office or around the house is an easy way to stay hydrated. Just because its not hot out doesn’t mean you don’t need to drink lots of water. Dry heat from your indoor heaters can dehydrate your body and leave you feeling less than active.
