Not everyone is excited about the change in seasons. We may be happy to celebrate the holidays, but many of our friends and family struggle with a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or the winter blues. In Indiana, when the sky turns gray and the ground turns brown, the lack of sunlight makes our brains work overtime producing melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep patterns.
To ease those SAD feelings, be sure to get as much sunlight as possible. Even if it’s cold, get outside and let your face feel what sunlight is available. But if there just isn’t enough of the natural rays, look for an artificial sunbox to keep at home. These devices have special fluorescent tubes that mimic sunlight. Use it for 30 minutes every morning to trigger your body’s wakeful hormones and fight back those winter blues.
This article is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.
