Dealing With Seasonal Affective Disorder in Washington

In the Seattle area you just had a clock switch back to Pacific Standard Time. This strongly affects the daylight hours. Just yesterday the sun set at a bit after 4pm. The winter in the Pacific Northwest can be especially brutal due to it being cloudy during daylight hours and the sun not being up for very long. This can lead to something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is an onset of depression or depression like feelings/symptoms when daylight hours become shorter. It is also caused by changes in weather. In the Seattle area this means it is cold, cloudy, wet, and dark for the late fall to early spring.

These changes have been known to mess with your circadian rhythm and affect your levels of serotonin and melatonin.

All of this can make you feel depressed.

Ways You Can Cope and Counteract The Effects of SAD

There are many things you can do to help counteract the effects of SAD on your own and in your own home.

Here are the ones you can try today!

1. Exercise

2. Buy a Light Box

3. Prioritize Social Gatherings

4. Go On Vacation

5. Have a Staycation

6. Try Aromatherapy (sandalwood, tea tree, lemon, lavender)

7. Keep to a Schedule (sleep, daily routines, etc.)

8. Let The Sunlight In (through your windows or get outside)

9. Avoid Alcohol

10. Get Vitamin D

11. Talk Therapy

12. Keep Warm and Cozy

13. Eat Your Vegetables

14. Limit Comfort Carbs