3 Ways To Feel Better If You’ve Got Winter Blues

In summary, the "winter blues" or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is linked to the lack of natural sunlight during fall and winter months. Symptoms include a gloomy outlook, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. To help alleviate these symptoms, some options to consider include light therapy, daily walks, healthy eating, and surrounding yourself with loved ones. Light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a light box for 30 minutes or more each morning, has been shown to relieve SAD symptoms for up to 70% of patients after a few weeks of treatment. Other ways to help cope with SAD include listening to music, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.