Seasonal light solutions to help you through the winter !
Carl Schindler , LUTCF , CSA Agent , State Farm Insurance
Carl Schindler is a 40 year State Farm Insurance agent in Morgan Hill . His agency has been voted # 1 in Morgan Hill for the past 5 consecutive years . He specializes in Auto , Homeowner ’ s , Life & Disability Insurance . Visit StateFarm . com / CarlSchindler or call ( 408 ) 779-6969 .
Some of us in northern climes approach winter with a growing sense of dread — the days get shorter , the weather gets colder , and sooner or later many of us succumb to the “ winter blues .” Severe and chronic seasonal depression is a serious issue and should be treated by a medical professional . However , for many of us , winter tends to bring on lesser problems along the line of “ cabin fever ” or “ the blahs .” There are , however , ways to weather winter , including seasonal light solutions and other positive habits that help fend off stress and sadness .
The winter blues aren ’ t just a folksy saying — there are physiological ( and psychological ) reactions to how much sunlight we soak up on a daily basis . In the northern hemisphere , the tilt of the Earth means we get fewer winter daylight hours ( and less direct sunlight ) the further north we live . For example , around the Winter Solstice , Anchorage , Alaska , gets less than five hours of daylight , the northernmost part of Minnesota gets eight , while Miami , Florida , gets more than ten hours of sunshine each day . Shorter days mean less sunlight , which can mess with our biological clocks and circadian rhythms and bring about changes in our bodies ’ sleep schedules , our eating habits , and our moods .
That ’ s why some people notice that during winter months they might sleep more , have less energy and interest in their usual activities , feel more irritable or moody , and may even want to eat more ( especially foods heavy in carbohydrates ). There are doctorprescribed light therapies that include bright light boxes or dawn simulators , but if your symptoms are not that severe , there are other things you can do on a daily basis to fight off the blues or blahs .
Let the Light In
• Throw open the shutters . Seasonal light solutions can be as simple as opening up the blinds and curtains and removing things ( like tree branches ) that block sunfacing windows .
• Sit in the sunlight . Move your desk or kitchen table into an area that ’ s getting more sunshine . Take some time during the day to sit near a bright window and read or work . Mornings are a good time to grab some extra sunlight exposure , as it can both help keep your biological clock set right and raise your spirits for the rest of the day .
Get Up and Get Out
• Go Outside . Sure , it might be colder out , but bundle up and try to get out more during the daylight hours . Make a daily walk part of your winter routine — even on a cloudy day , your body is still soaking up sunshine . When an unseasonably warm winter day comes along , consider eating lunch outdoors .
• But also take time to relax . Don ’ t push yourself too hard — take a little time each winter day to chill out , so to speak .
• Be social . When you ’ re feeling blue or cranky , sometimes the last thing you want is to be around other people , but sometimes that ’ s also exactly what you need .
• Head for the sun . If you ’ re planning a winter vacation , consider going somewhere warm and sunny to give yourself a brief mid-winter recharge .
Take Care of Your Mind and Body
• Get enough sleep . While sleeping all day or finding it increasingly hard to get out of bed can be a sign of more severe depression , make sure you ’ re getting a normal and healthy amount of rest each night . Lack of sleep can raise stress levels .
• Eat right . Follow healthy eating tips ; and no matter how much your winter body might crave them , try to cut down on foods heavy in fats , sugars , and carbs . Instead try to eat foods rich in nutrients and vitamins , including fish , nuts , and vegetables high in Omega-3 fatty acids .
• Exercise regularly . Not just because you want to get a head start on your summer beach body , but because it helps reduce stress and anxiety and strengthens your body ’ s physical and mental system .
If your winter blues get worse and you feel you might be experiencing continuing depression , seek help from a medical professional . If , however , you feel like your mood and attitude just need a little boost during the cold , dark winter months , follow these tips to fight off the blahs and get as much happiness and fun out of winter as you do the other , warmer seasons .
More at : learningcenter . statefarm . com / insurance / health / seasonal-light-solutions-tohelp-you-through-the-winter
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