seasonal affective disorder

Mental Tricks That Will Help You Hate Winter Less

Kentin Waits — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 10:00:10 +0000

I'm no stranger to winter. Raised in Iowa, I'm all too familiar with the extreme whiteouts and wind chills that start in November and don't reliably end until early April. It's the kind of weather that makes my nose hair freeze and my face hurt. But over the years, those of us from colder climates develop creative ways to thrive in winter's grip. If you find yourself tiring of the season, take heart and take heed! Here are seven mental tricks that might help you learn to love winter — or at least hate it a little less.

1. Understand Winter's Benefits

The purpose of cold winter months isn't simply to drive us all crazy with cabin fever. The long deep-freeze kills disease-carrying insects, interrupts the migration of invasive species, and slows the growth of nuisance vegetation. Ice buildup along lake shorelines even helps reduce soil erosion and protect wetland areas. At those moments when you feel frustrated by the frigid temps, remember — there's a beneficial cycle at play in nature.

2. Embrace All Things Domestic

Tired of winter interrupting your normal routine with freezing temps, snow, and icy roads? Maybe it's time to dominate domestically. Make a list of projects you can tackle and easily complete each week. My own list includes pricing items for a summertime yard sale, shredding stacks of personal paperwork, scanning and saving old family photos, and finally learning how to bake something — anything — from scratch. After two or three months of projects, I'll be more organized, more capable in the kitchen, and a few steps closer to spring.

3. Hang Out With Winter Enthusiasts

Misery loves company. If you want to beat your cold weather woes, don't look for the like-minded. Instead, seek out those folks who flourish in winter. With a little coaxing, you may find yourself enjoying the season with friends who love snowboarding, ice-fishing, or whiling away entire afternoons playing giant Jenga at a local pub.

4. Get Oh So Cozy

Roughly translated from Norwegian, "koselig" means "coziness." Instead of fighting winter, do what the Norwegians do: Shift your thinking and give in to the spirit of the season. On those cold winter nights, wrap yourself in a down comforter, enjoy a steaming mug of cider, and binge-watch a TV series or lose yourself a good book. (See also: 50 Fun Things to Do When You're Stuck Inside During Winter)

5. Indulge in Little Luxuries

Acquiring more stuff isn't the path to happiness, but a few strategic luxuries can help take the frost off winter. Treat yourself to some scented candles, good wine, high-end chocolate, or a monthly massage. While you're at it, spring for a temporary subscription to a video on-demand service like Netflix or Hulu to pass the time. (See also: 8 Little Luxuries That Go a Long Way)

6. Let the Light Shine In

Though it's a commodity during winter months, natural light is an essential mood lifter. Keep curtains and blinds open during the day, repaint dark or drab walls, clear clutter away from windows, and flood your space with as much natural light as possible.

7. Plan a Spring Fling

Having something to look forward to can make cold winter months seem like a mere blip on the calendar. Schedule a warm weather trip and countdown your departure date with an app like Days Until or Countdown+. Then, spend those snowy afternoons planning your itinerary, reserving a hotel, refining your vacation wardrobe, and finding new ways to squirrel away extra fun money. Spring will be here before you know it.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Ways to Prevent the Winter Blues from Busting Your Budget

Ashley Marcin — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 10:00:09 +0000

Do you start feeling a bit funky once the cold weather hits? For some, seasonal change can trigger depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. With SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and can continue throughout the winter months. You might feel more tired or moody than usual. You may gain weight, oversleep, or have a heavy feeling in your arms and legs.

Though doctors don't know exactly what causes SAD, it might have something to do with a decrease in sunlight. Less sun can affect anything from your circadian rhythm to your serotonin and melatonin levels. The result? You don't feel yourself. And you may not maintain your usual habits in other areas of your life, like spending.

Here's how to keep SAD from sabotaging your budget this winter — as well as some things you can do to help yourself get out of a funk on the cheap. (See also: 13 Creative Ways to Stop Spending Money)

1. Unlink Payment Methods

While you might not randomly head out to the store at midnight, online shops are always open. You may have even linked your credit cards or PayPal account to your favorite store. Consider unlinking your payment methods so you'll need to pause for a moment before pushing the buy button. In the time it takes you to find your wallet, you may have second thoughts about your purchase.

2. Practice Self-Care

Instead of rushing to retail therapy to soothe yourself, consider spending time versus money. Practice self-care by doing things to ease your sadness. Take a warm bath, go for a walk, or visit YouTube to find a new yoga video. If you're having trouble thinking of what might make you feel better, try drafting up a list you can consult when you're feeling low. (See also: 7 Online Workout Stations for Free or Cheap)

3. Enjoy Free Stuff

You may also want to make a list of all the free and fun things going on in your area. Being around people is important for people who have SAD, and it can help boost your mood. Check local calendars for events that look interesting to you. Instead of buying new books or music, check them out from your library.

And when you want to spend, try consulting with the Calendar of Annual Free Stuff before heading out. There are many events throughout the year where you can score free food and more, allowing you to indulge without the financial guilt.

4. Cook Ahead

If you find you're spending tons of money on takeout or restaurant meals, plan ahead. You can make meals without much effort by using a Crock-Pot. Here are 25 easy recipes to get you started. And if you're really stuck on what you should consume, here's a frugal meal plan for every single day this month. Eating a healthy diet may even help with your SAD symptoms. (See also: How to Eat on $20 a Week (With Meal Plans))

5. Reach Out

In the study on sadness and shopping, the researchers did discover an important link. The people who were sad were also more self-focused, which ultimately led to more spending. Thinking of others may help break the cycle. Instead of driving yourself to the mall when you're feeling down, you might call a friend to chat or meet up.

Easy Ways to Combat SAD

There are some things you can do at home to help ease your SAD symptoms. Of course, if you have concerns about your mood or health, it's always a good idea to make an appointment with your primary care physician.

Open Your Curtains

No, really. Do anything and everything you can to get more sunlight into your life. This may mean that you'll want to contact a landscaper to trim branches or bushes that are blocking light from getting into your home. Consider moving furniture, like your desk or reading chair, next to windows in your home or office.

Venture Outdoors

The weather may be frightful, but a quick walk around the block might make your day a bit more delightful. Getting in as much sun as possible can help lift your spirits. You'll be able to catch some rays even on cloudy days. Try to get outside within two hours of waking for the best results.

Exercise Daily

Moving your body is good no matter what, but for people with SAD, it's particularly important. Working out relieves stress and anxiety. These things can exacerbate SAD symptoms. Bonus points if you can exercise in the sunlight while getting in some fresh air.

Spend Money

On the right stuff, that is. There are a few products that can help with SAD. Look into buying a portable light box that is made to emulate the sun. A light box works by stimulating all your eye's photoreceptors. Some people even choose to take certain supplements to ease their symptoms, including St. John's wort, SAMe, melatonin, and omega-3 fatty acids. Always consult with your doctor before starting any supplements.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Easy Ways to Prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder

Amy Lu — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:00:07 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on easy ways to prevent seasonal affective disorder, how to save big on things you’re already buying, and things you can carve that aren’t pumpkins.

Winter Blues: 13 Proven Ways to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Sonja Stewart — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:00:09 +0000

It's that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder, and my energy is getting lower. Am I worried? No. Unlike last winter, this winter I am prepared with an arsenal of tips and supplements that will shake those winter blues away.

1. Fish oil

Not only is this supplement good for your heart, it helps regulate hormones, which is great for menopause, postpartum, and PMS. I take three a day when times are tough.

2. Vitamin D

When you're stuck inside all day, your body lacks vitamin D that comes from the sun naturally. This vitamin seriously boosts your immune system. (Ever wonder why we get so sick in the winter?) Take a couple 2,000 IU a day of D3 and watch how great you'll feel.

3. Vitamin B12

The dots that you place on your tongue and dissolve are better than the pills you swallow. These little pills are fantastic for energy, and will help you avoid that second cup of coffee in the morning.

4. Light Therapy

These light bulbs, which mimic the sun's rays, without the UV, are a good investment if you or your family suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder. They run the gamut in pricing from around $45 to upwards of $200. It's something to consider based on the severity of your winters, and your seasonal depression.

5. Exercise

Walking is the best exercise for you. Unfortunately, if it's raining or icy where you live, an outdoor stroll is out of the question. I fell in love with Leslie Sansone Walking DVDs. You need very little space to do them, and they are as easy or as challenging as you want to make them. Add ankle/wrist weights for a challenge. My favorite is the Four Fast Mile DVD. (I swear she doesn't endorse me, or even know who I am for that matter. I lost all of my baby weight from these DVDs.) Add a yoga or pilates routine to keep your flexibility and your abs for when summer rolls around again. (We can dream.)

6. Get Dressed Up

Put on your fancy pants and shoes. Even if you're just checking the mail. Sometimes, overdressing is the best medicine.

7. Listen to Classical Music

Studies have found that listening to classical music, paired with exercise, helps to reduce depression in people. So, Pandora some Beethoven and smile.

8. Make Your Bed

This is an easy way to feel accomplished on days you are just feeling overwhelmed and trapped inside. Straighten your sheets, fluff your pillows, stand back and look at what you accomplished. This one also works to help prevent you from going back to bed. Mentally, you'll feel as is you've gotten over one task; now to take on the laundry. Ick.

9. Skype Your Mom

Staying in contact with friends and family is paramount to a healthy emotional well being. If your family lives far, sign up for Skype. It's free, and seeing your friends pop up on your screen is such an encouraging way to start a day. Have a virtual cup of coffee with them, or toast in the New Year together.

10. Eat Seasonally

A lot of the vitamins our bodies lack in the winter can be found in foods that are ripe this time of year. Foods that are high in Calcium, Vitamin C, B, D, and A are great this time of year. Stick to apples, squash, onions, potatoes, carrots — basically brightly colored veggies and fruit that you would typically see at a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

11. Journal Every Day

Even if you aren't a writer, this is an amazingly therapeutic way to work out issues you may be dealing with that you aren't even aware of. I believe in three pages a day. Do a stream of consciousness thing, where you allow your thoughts to flow uninhibited to the page. Don't read what you've written until a week (or longer) has passed. Do it every morning before you even get out of bed. Your head will be clearer through the day, and you'll find you're more inspired to work on those projects you've been avoiding.

12. Drink Plenty of Water

Just drink plain old water. Hydrating yourself is paramount to feeling your best. It will curb cravings, flush out toxins, keep you "regular" and relieve sluggishness.

13. Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, and Sugar

I saved this for last because I know you won't do it. Just keep in mind, alcohol is a depressant. Caffeine always leaves you wanting more, and processed sugar has a direct effect on your brain activity. Limit your coffee to a cup a day, and alcohol to one or two glasses a week. Stick to dark chocolate if you have a sweet tooth. Dark chocolate has antioxidants that are helpful to rid your body of free radicals, that do cell damage.

Good luck this winter. What works for you when you get down?

This article is from Sonja Stewart of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

seasonal affective disorder

Mental Tricks That Will Help You Hate Winter Less

1. Understand Winter's Benefits

2. Embrace All Things Domestic

3. Hang Out With Winter Enthusiasts

4. Get Oh So Cozy

5. Indulge in Little Luxuries

6. Let the Light Shine In

7. Plan a Spring Fling

Like this article? Pin it!

5 Ways to Prevent the Winter Blues from Busting Your Budget

1. Unlink Payment Methods

2. Practice Self-Care

3. Enjoy Free Stuff

4. Cook Ahead

5. Reach Out

Easy Ways to Combat SAD

Open Your Curtains

Venture Outdoors

Exercise Daily

Spend Money

Like this article? Pin it!

Best Money Tips: Easy Ways to Prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

Winter Blues: 13 Proven Ways to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder

1. Fish oil

2. Vitamin D

3. Vitamin B12

4. Light Therapy

5. Exercise

6. Get Dressed Up

7. Listen to Classical Music

8. Make Your Bed

9. Skype Your Mom

10. Eat Seasonally

11. Journal Every Day

12. Drink Plenty of Water

13. Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, and Sugar