Winter in the Midwest and fighting the "winter blues"

I have only ever lived in Northern Illinois, so i cannot say that people in the southern states don't also get the moody, always tired, somewhat depressed feeling during the winter months, but this post is going to tell you some things that can help us mid-westerners overcome the winter challenges. 

That's the problem: The gloom caused by Mother Nature each winter in much of the country is biologically felt to some degree by an estimated one in four of us -- usually starting around October and then magically ending by April with spring's thaw. For most people, it manifests as winter doldrums, the "I-can't-wait-for-winter-to-end" feeling that produce mild but manageable sluggishness and food cravings. But about 11 million Americans have a more severe form of winter depression -- seasonal affective disorder, the aptly acronymed SAD that is typically diagnosed after at least two consecutive years of more intense symptoms.

"While a person with winter doldrums may have difficulty waking up or getting out of bed at times, someone with seasonal affective disordercan't get to work on time," says Michael Terman, PhD, director of the Winter Depression Program at New York Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Medical Center. Only about 1% of Florida residents have some winter-specific discomfort or depression, compared to about half of those living in uppermost parts of the U.S. or in southern Canada 

Waking up in the winter is my biggest struggle! In the winter time, i wake up 30 minutes before I have to leave the house, and am rushing in the door 5 minutes late, EVERY DAY!! 

1.  Vitamin D plays a role in brain development and function. One promising study showed that large doses of vitamin D could lessen the symptoms of mild depression. But other studies show mixed results. The best bet is to talk with your doctor about whether vitamin D could ward off the symptoms of depression. Every year that i go to the woman doctor she tells me I need to take Vitamin D, and to try to go tanning to get a does of sun! Yes.. a doctor tells me to tan, I know right!?! Most people get some vitamin D from sunlight. When the sun shines on your bare skin, your body makes its own vitamin D. But you probably need more than that. Fair-skinned people might get enough in 5-10 minutes on a sunny day, a few times a week. But cloudy days, the low light of winter, and the use of sun block (important to avoid skin cancer and skin aging) all interfere. 

2. Eating healthy foods can also help in fighting the "winter blues". Foods like Salmon with high amounts of Omega 3's and the lean proteins are also a great source of energy, which is something you’ll need to help beat fatigue. Like turkey, bananas contain tryptophan. Besides that, the carbohydrates, natural sugars, and potassium in bananas help fuel your brain. Magnesium, also found in bananas, may improve sleep and reduce anxiety, two symptoms of seasonal depression. 

3. Exercise.. now i know i dont have to remind you of all the benefits you get from getting exercise but simple things like Yoga, Meditation, Pilates, and walking for 30-60 minutes are all very great ways to conquer negative thoughts and depression. Even Swimming is a great way to exercise in the winter because it’s an indoor activity. It works your whole body, burns calories, strengthens your posture and improves your heart and lung function. Then reap the rewards by relaxing in the steam room or the Jacuzzi. If your swimming pool/ leisure centre doesn’t have these facilities then why not buy some aromatherapy oils and have a long soak in the tub when you get home. :) 

**Statistics provided by WebMD, I am not a doctor, but this is how I help get over the winters in IL.**