4 ways to prepare for winter depression

Raise your hand if you’re a fan of winter.

Aside from the colder and shorter days, many people are more prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs in winter and disappears when the sun shows its face again. SAD affects about 1 in 20 people who throw a wrench on a daily basis and make it difficult to function and lead a normal life. But the good news here is that you can prepare for it.

Not much is understood about this condition. It tends to run in families and affects women more than men, according to the New York Times. Some experts believe that with a little forethought and knowledge, it is possible to trick your body in some ways. Here is how.

Understand the stages of SAD

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According to experts, seasonal affective disorder works in phases. At the beginning of the winter season, symptoms include sleeping longer, difficulty getting up in the morning, and cravings for carbohydrates. Later, within three or four weeks, it is possible to develop severe depression. The key is to take care of your condition before you hit the period of depression. Experts recommend using bright light therapy for half an hour each morning, the most direct and efficient method of treating this condition. This method gives better results than medication, although users must be consistent to get any benefit.

The sooner you start, the better

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This is a good time to prepare for the winter depression. Start slowly by creating periods of time engaging in activities that make you feel happy and balanced physically and mentally, from regular exercise sessions to following funny habits to reuniting with old friends. Keep these experiences and activities in mind as you stock up for what’s to come. The more fulfilled you feel, the better.

Spend time outside

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Most experts agree that even when your body asks for it, it is not good to go to sleep. Make time for daily walks of at least 20 to 30 minutes. If you could add an activity to look forward to outdoors, that’s even better.

Consider a doctor

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Sometimes the best way to treat a condition is with the help of medication. Pay attention to your symptoms and track them so you know if they are gaining weight. That way, you can speak to someone who can give you the correct guidance.