Posted on October 6th, 2010
Now that fall is officially here, take advantage of the beautiful colors and cooler temperatures before winter by spending time outdoors walking, biking, or even taking a trip to the local orchard.
As the days continue to shorten, make sure to help your body adjust to the change in sunlight. Adequate sunlight is an essential part of the chemical process that helps our bodies produce vitamin D. Lack of sunlight can cause Seasonal-Affective Disorder (SAD), which usually appears during the colder months of fall and winter when there is less exposure to sunlight during the day. Symptoms can include fatigue, lack of interest in normal activities, craving foods high in carbohydrates, social withdrawal and weight gain. Depression symptoms are usually mild to moderate, but they can become severe.
How can you protect yourself against SAD? Try to spend time outside whenever possible to expose yourself to natural sunlight. If it’s too cold to be outdoors, try arranging your home or office so that you are exposed to a window during the day. However, if you feel the depression is becoming severe, consult a doctor immediately. With the right course of treatment, SAD can be a manageable condition.
For more information on SAD and available resources, take a look at the Mayo Clinic’s website.
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