Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeLocal & Regional NewsSeasonal Affective Disorder: Ways to Cope

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Ways to Cope

A SusanvilleStuff Feature
Melissa Blosser, Assistant Editor

Around this time of year, when the winter seems to drag on and it seems hard to believe that spring is just weeks away, it can be easy for the winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder, to creep up on those of us that live in Northern California. Here are some practical and simple ideas to employ to stay upbeat in the cold and snow according to Dr. Oz.

There are several ways for you to deal with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Dr. Oz strongly recommends the triumvirate of: exercising outside (a brisk walk at least 20 minutes a day), light therapy (go to RealAge.com for different light therapy options — light boxes, dawn simulators, light visors) and supplemental vitamin D-3.

Exercising outside provides exposure to sunlight (lack of sunlight can cause an imbalance of two key mood-regulating neurotransmitters — serotonin and melatonin). It also improves your outlook by stimulating release of mood-boosting endorphins, helps you sleep better and makes it easier to eat more healthfully — all powerful ways to combat SAD.

Blue-light therapy for one hour a day can improve your mood significantly during the winter months, and coupling it with exercise amps up its benefits.

Vitamin D-3 helps boost mood, the immune system and heart health! Most folks rely on sun exposure to get their daily dose of vitamin D. But with winter darkness and all those clothes covering up your skin, chances are you’re seriously “D”-prived. We recommend you take a D-3 supplement of 1,000 IU a day if you’re under age 60, and 1,200 if you’re older.

So don’t get SAD, get glad! Try this three-part SAD therapy, and you’ll be surprised how much you can enjoy those beautiful and invigorating Susanville winters!  Besides a sunny forecast is just around the way!

If you or someone you love is suffering from SAD call Lassen County Department of Public Health (530) 251-8108.

Jeremy Couso
Jeremy Couso
SusanvilleStuff.com Publisher/Editor
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