Get A Jump Start On Happiness – See The Light!

Get A Jump Start On Happiness – See The Light!

Getty Images

 

Getty Images
loading...

The other day I posted some information I found on how to get past post-holiday season blues.  I mean it's 2021. Don't worry, be happy, right?  I kid, but there is another kind of seasonal sadness that robs the joy of millions.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s triggered by the change in seasons. The American Psychiatric Association says it affects roughly 5% of American adults.
Even if you aren’t officially diagnosed with SAD, "it’s common to feel down in the winter months. Barbara Nosal, Ph.D., says one way to perk up takes all of three seconds to try. Right when you wake up, open your blinds."

Winter days have less light than summer days so we need to seek out opportunities to be exposed to more light.  Nosal adds that spending time outside helps regulate hormones and neurotransmitters that have a strong effect on moods, behavior, and the body’s natural rhythmic patterns, so you’ll want to be exposed to as much natural light as possible during the day.

For cloudy days you might want to invest in a light therapy box, which gives off light that mimics natural sunlight.

She adds that exposing yourself to natural light for about 30 minutes a day has been found to be beneficial for those with SAD. So don't be sad, avoid SAD and walk toward the light to be happy!

Categories: Health and Fitness, Medical

More From News Talk KIT