Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is one of the most common mental disorders that people struggle with.
During the winter months, there’s less sunlight. For people who live in cities where there’s not a lot of sunlight or warm weather, it’s a lot easier to sink into a depression. While many people would love to get therapy, it’s not always affordable.
For those who are looking for practical ways to deal with this disorder until they can afford therapy, consider the following options.
Get the right lighting
Since the disorder comes because of a lack of sunlight, you can incorporate specific Vitamin D lamps in order to help you get more of what you need in order to feel better. You can purchase Vitamin D lamps, place them on timers and enjoy the light as you wake up in the morning. The technology behind these lamps is pretty powerful and effective. As you begin to do your research, check out different reviews in order to learn how effective a specific lamp is for your mental health.
Use supplements
In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, it’s a great idea to use supplements in order to support your mental health. Start by taking a great multi-vitamin. You can also take specific supplements that are known to promote mental clarity such as magnesium and ginkgo biloba.
CBD is also known to help people who suffer with seasonal affective disorder. For more information on CBD, visit a great source: Hemppedia.org.
Surround yourself with love
It’s really helpful when you have people around you who love you. Develop a tribe of people who you know you can call when you’re not feeling great.
Whether this includes your parents, siblings or your close group of friends, make sure you have people you can reach out to when you’re feeling down.
Invest time into a productive hobby
Even if you’re a busy person, it’s great to find hobbies that bring you a sense of personal joy. Invest in hobbies that don’t have a dollar sign attached to them. If you love to color, turn on some music and create a mood for your coloring session.
If you enjoy cooking, cultivate a list of recipes and interesting ingredients you’ll begin to cook with. As you channel that energy into something positive, it’ll be a lot easier to deal with the seasonal blues.
Exercise
Exercise naturally has a way of making people feel better once the workout is complete. Find workouts that you really enjoy. Whether you love to swim, jog or dance, find a workout you can really stick to. As you release endorphins, you’ll be able to feel better and manage your stress levels.
If you struggle with seasonal affective disorder, you don’t have to suffer in silence. With these tips, a great community of people who love you and perseverance, you can get through it. Be mindful of how you’re feeling at all times. When you’re not okay, don’t hesitate to tell someone. It can be the one phone call that saves your life.