12 Unique Cures For The Winter Blues by: Savannah H. for Off the Grid News
The Christmas season is over, and with that, the winter blues are officially here. Winter tends to cause us to slow down, spend more time indoors and can even subconsciously cause a period of sadness or depression. Generally, when you’re feeling not like yourself when winter arrives, it is due to Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).
S.A.D. affects about 10 to 20 percent of the population, and while it can happen most anytime of the year, the fall-to-winter change is the most common cause.
Doctors claim that a surprisingly large amount of people experience S.A.D. every winter. The disorder can particularly affect those who live in a rural setting and can make “cabin fever” much worse. Though you can’t necessarily just get rid of S.A.D., you can take steps to help you get through it. Even if you don’t have S.A.D., you still should take an active role in your health, physical and mental, during the long winter days.
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For starters, resist the urge to indulge in junk food. The temptation will be there, but don’t do it. Also, take vitamin D supplements. Depression and S.A.D. have been proven to be aggravated by a lack of vitamin D. We get far less sunlight in winter so be sure to take this vitamin. As a bonus, it also boosts your immune system. Additionally, get outside as often as possible. Use any opportunity to get outside in the fresh air, even if you don’t necessarily have to (i.e. walking down the road to the mailbox).
Here are 12 unique ways to fight the winter blues:
1. Plan homestead goals for the coming spring:
Rather than saving spring planning for spring, get a head start by doing the coming year’s goal-setting in winter.
2. Teach yourself how to crochet or knit:
Knitting and crocheting are both fairly easy to learn and allow you to make your own birthday and Christmas gifts. Or, make a quilt. Sewing is a pretty basic skill and easy if you have a sewing machine. Quilts can take a while to make and are a perfect winter project.
3. Volunteer at a church, homeless shelter, food bank, etc:
Volunteering is very rewarding and oftentimes these organizations can really use the extra help in winter.
