When I lived in New York City, come January, I noticed a significant drop in my energy. This wasn’t exactly helped by having to take my three beloved dogs down twenty-five flights in an elevator to walk them three times a day in absolutely dismal, freezing, windy, February weather when it got dark around noon. (Okay, I exaggerate, but that’s what it felt like).
Turns out I was far from alone in feeling that significant winter drop in energy.
Come the gloomy months of winter, lots of people walk around like the living dead, not really knowing why. For an estimated 10 million Americans, the short, dark days of winter bring a cloud of depression. Turns out there’s a reason, and it’s named Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. SAD typically begins in fall and ends in spring with the return of longer, sunnier days. People who live in northern climates are at higher risk for SAD. And let me tell you – SAD can and dose drain your energy like nobody’s business.
Symptoms of SAD includes:
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Lack of interest in normal activities
• Loss of energy
• Increased sleep
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Social withdrawal
• Lethargy
• Carbohydrate cravings
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
Okay, granted, some of those symptoms can come from other causes, but don’t discount the possibility that the drop in energy you’re feeling in the winter months is directly correlated to the lack of sunlight. AS seasons change and days become shorter, lack of sunlight disrupts the circadian rhythms, and it hits some people a lot worse than others. The disruption of the body’s internal clock can lead to depression.
Melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle (see page 82), is usually released at night when darkness falls. It’s turned off by sunlight. That balance is very important. If there’s no sunlight – or greatly reduced sunlight – melatonin doesn’t get the memo to turn off production, and higher melatonin levels make it harder to get out of bed. Also, reduced sunlight can lead to a drop in serotonin levels, which, in turn, can lead to depression.
HELP IS ON THE WAY
What to do, what to do? Try these tips to combat SAD:
Take vitamin D
Some studies indicate that high levels of vitamin D help alleviate the depression and fatigue that accompany SAD.
Get outside
Take a walk in the park, or bundle up and sit outdoors, and soak up what little sun there is. Trust me, it makes a difference .
Let the light shine in
Brighten up your house. Open the blinds, and keep rooms well it.
Get moving
Exercise can also help alleviate stress and anxiety, two by-products of SAD. No kidding.
Head for the sun
If you have the time and resources, a mid-winter vacation to sunnier climates will do wonders for alleviating symptoms of SAD. I can attest to this one from personal experience. Bonus benefit: reduction in stress, increase in energy.
Make connections
When you’re feeling down, reach out to your support network. Push yourself to socialize with friends. Really, I mean it.
WORTH KNOWING
A sun lamp may really come in handy when it comes to combating SAD.
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