Snow Got You S.A.D?

Seasonal Affective Disorder has many people wondering this time of year just how to shed the winter woes. With the snowstorms hitting much of the country back to back this week, SAD seems darker when electricity goes out and shoveling chores loom.

Winter Blues by Norman Rosenthal sheds light on the causes and effects of this disease. Among its cures, is exercise and diet.

If you are feeling the effects of SAD, here are some things you can do from Winter Blues:

- exercise doing cardio 20 minutes or more several times a week –do muscle building exercises to raise metabolic rate, making muscles “calorie burning factories”

- resist being a couch potato and move as much as you can each day while doing regular tasks, errands and chores –regulating your mood with sugar and refined carbs, fast food, etc is only a short term upper that will crash you even worse. “Satisfaction is short-​​lived.” Instead, focus on eggs, fish, fruits, vegetables, hydration from water and many small, healthy meals and snacks a day.

- avoid alcohol and caffeine

- investigate psycoanalysis and light therapy

–move somewhere warmer (I am not making that up, its in the book!)

For more tips and exercise routines to get a hot, healthy and happy body in time for the sun-​​filled days, visit my website www​.nikkifitness​.com.

Fitness, Fit it in.

Tags: depression sad winter