This time of year, it seems the only two things winter has to offer are cold temperatures and darkness. Spending long days cooped up inside, we may feel less energized and grow increasingly moody or anxious.

“Winter blues can be a byproduct of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD),” said Carol Juergensen Sheets, a behavioral psychologist with IU Health. “It’s estimated that nearly 6 percent of Americans are affected by SAD, and the effects are comparable to major depression.”

If you’re feeling under the weather, it is important to maintain a normal routine, said Sheets. Four activities to focus on include:

1. Find the sun – Schedule time for outdoor activities, such as a brief walk during your lunch hour or on the weekends, to get a healthy dose of rays. Those with more severe symptoms can utilize a therapeutic light box – a lamp with high wattage, but filtered to remove as much ultraviolet light as possible. SAD patients are typically prescribed to sit near the lamp for 30 to 60 minutes a day.
2. Stay active – Regular exercise can increase dopamine levels in the brain, which plays an important role in sleep, mood and attention.
3. Enlist social support – Maintain a regular social schedule that promotes getting out of the office and house and being around friends and family.
4. Seek help – If you are feeling down or anxious, go to a counselor for support and additional treatment options.
    

♦Read: The Importance of Sleep
♦Read: Headaches: When and How To Treat and When To Call A Physician
♦Read: 4 Ways To Reduce Stress

These are some helpful tips to make day-to-day life a little happier. If you are suffering from more severe mental wellness issues, such as anxiety or depression, talk with your IU Health physisian about treatments, support groups and other programs we offer.