Infographic: Dealing with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

[TeenHelp]

• Stick to the same sleep schedule. If you woke up at 7 am during the summer months, try not to sleep in for longer in winter; this includes weekends. Place your alarm clock further away so that you are not tempted to hit the snooze button.
• Stay connected with friends and family, and plan get togethers. Consider joining a support group, as sharing your experiences and learning about what others find helpful can be very beneficial.
• Spend time out of the house, and make use of the natural daylight. For example, if you drink a hot beverage in the morning, take a trip to your local coffee shop. This will also encourage you to interact with people.
• Watch what you eat. Avoid consuming foods and drinks that contain simple carbohydrates, such as biscuits, candy, jam and soda. This causes the blood sugar level to rise rapidly, which triggers the secretion of insulin and leads to a "sugar crash".
• Try not to let chores build up. Tackling a small amount every day will be easier than being overwhelmed by tasks that have accumulated over time.

[Silvan]

For me number 3 is especially important. Even going to a coffee shop can be a reason to get out of bed, get dressed, put on some make-up if one likes etc. This makes me feel much more refreshed and motivated than when I stay in pajamas all day

[Katiebug88]

These are great. My light therapy box helps me a lot too. I actually used it for the first time (this season) today