Do you have SAD?

How do you have sad?  No–S.A.D.:  Seasonal Affective Disorder.  You may be familiar with the “Winter Blues;”  SAD is full-blown winter blues.  Typical symptoms of SAD would be similar to those of depression, but with a seasonal cycle:  beginning in the fall, peaking during winter-time, and often time resolving in the spring.  But work environment plays a large role.  Indoors during much of the day + working 50 weeks each year = ability to experience SAD symptoms all year long.  Even more likely if windows are not a popular feature of your workspace.

What can you do to combat symptoms?  If you’re really in dire straits, you can move somewhere with more light exposure.  It’s true; the degree to which you have light exposure works its way into that equation above.  So states that have a lot of regular sunlight throughout the state are Arizona, California, and Florida (among others).  States on the opposite end of the spectrum would be Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.

Another way to add pep to your life is to implement anti-depression tactics.  Put on a favorite song.  Exercise ~ motion creates positive emotion.  Avoid sugar, caffeine, and processed foods.  Pamper yourself with a nice, long bath.

A third way is always adding positive nutrients to your system.  A few people I know have tried either Source Naturals’ St. John’s Positive Thoughts (check out evitamins.com; link disabled due to excessive spam) or the Bliss Anti-Stress Formula.

Regardless of which avenue(s) you choose, do your best to fight with a reaction that will bring positive results.