Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The first snow of the season is a wondrous event. Like glittering diamonds carpeting the landscape, a pristine blanket of white sparkles in the sunshine, making us marvel at nature’s beauty. Unfortunately, we quickly lose that child-like wonder as we struggle to shovel driveways, cope with slick, icy roads and fight off winter sniffles. As winter drags on, the dark skies and cold winds wear us down. Our mood turns as gray and dreary as slush, and the winter blues set in.
Nearly 50% of Americans suffer from winter depression, and 35 million suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Women in their 30s are most susceptible. Symptoms include tiredness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, craving carbohydrates, isolation and difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. Lack of sunshine is the main culprit. A four-year Canadian study showed the body produces lower levels of the mood-altering brain chemical serotonin during the fall and winter.
Though you may feel like it; there’s no need to hibernate. Follow these tips to beat the winter blues:
- Spend time outside, particularly on sunny days. If you can’t get out, sit or stand at a window in direct light.
- Avoid energy-depleting foods high in simple carbohydrates.
- Take a B-complex vitamin supplement to augment energy levels.
- Plan a vacation to somewhere warm and sunny.
- Take up a hobby.
- Smile. Listen to a comedy tape while you drive. Watch a funny movie.
- Help a friend or neighbor. Bake cookies to share or shovel a walk.
- Sort through family photos and put them into albums. Reliving good memories will help you get through the winter.
- Visit a greenhouse or go to a flower show to remind yourself that spring is just around the corner.
The following appeared in an issue of Maxim’s nursing eNewsletter, Nursing Now. To receive news in your e-mail inbox each month, sign up today.