Welcome to the central point of the wintery bliss where walking from the car to class has become something that is dreaded each day.
The time where forgetting gloves and not covering your neck and face with a scarf can literally send chills through your bones. For several people who love winter activities, this is the perfect time for snowmobiling, skiing and ice fishing trips.
On the reverse side are the individuals who suffer from the winter blues, and the Wisconsin winters bring mixed emotions to this large group of individuals. Changes in seasons can bring out the SAD which stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
According to the Mayo Clinic, reduced sunlight can have affects on the serotonin and melatonin levels, which affect a person’s mood. Some of the signs and symptoms for SAD are listed below (retrieved from The Mayo Clinic):
Irritability, tiredness, low energy, problems getting along with people, oversleeping, weight gain, craving foods high in carbohydrates, heavy leaded feeling in arms and legs, and hypersensitivity to rejection.
Anyone reading this may have experienced one, two or more of these feelings; however, recognizing and approaching it in a holistic way can assist during these frosty times. Here are a few ideas to consider next time you feel a funk coming on:
Get out of the house. Grab a cup of coffee/tea with positive and happy people – walk the dog – go for a drive on a sunny day and take in the vitamin D – go to the mall and move around
Become a member. Join a gym and find a workout buddy – get involved in church activities – help your community (deliver meals, visit people in need, etc.) – join a book club – take a cooking class – join a committee at work.