Have you ever noticed a change in your mood as the temperatures drop and the snow falls?  You may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. Bad weather can have an impact on your mood.

SAD is related to a lack of exposure to sun in the fall and winter months. A form of depression, SAD can affect your ability to concentrate, your cravings for sweet and salty foods and your sleeping habits. There are different severities of SAD, with approximately 15 of every 100 people experiencing it in its lesser form.

Dr. Stephen Barsky, a psychiatrist at The Scarborough Hospital, offers ways to conquer these winter blues:

1. Get your daily dosage of Vitamin D. Since we often receive Vitamin D through exposure to the sun, it’s common for levels of this essential vitamin to be low during the winter months. Check with your doctor to see if increasing your Vitamin D levels is appropriate for your health needs.
2. Exercise regularly. Exercise has been proven to help reduce stress levels and increase your mental and physical well-being, Movement can help to conquer your SADness through increasing serotonin levels.
3. Keep track of the food you eat and the hours you sleep. Maintaining a balanced diet is important. People with SAD often crave unhealthy snacks and sleep long hours to avoid the cold weather. Consume whole grains, fruits and foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and olive oil.
4. Increase your exposure to sunlight. Open blinds during the day and rearrange your office work space so that you are exposed to sunlight. You can also remove tree branches or transplant trees that block windows.  Sometimes, “Light Therapy,” exposure to bright lights indoors, can also help.
5. Learn to appreciate the winter season. Engage in winter sports, including skiing, skating, snowshoeing and hiking. Enjoy time outside with young children by building a fort or snowman.
6. Escape the cold with a winter vacation to a sunny destination. This, however, may only be a temporary fix.
7. Extreme cases of SAD may require special medical attention. Consult your doctor to see if medication is the right choice for you.