Ward off those winter blues

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) makes many people feel low in the winter months when sunlight is in short supply.

Symptoms include feelings of sadness, low energy, cravings for sugar and starch, and weight gain. So, here are ways to help lift your spirits.

1) Enjoy the outdoors- Adopt a winter sport. If you haven’t explored winter sports before, consider ice-skating, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Even on grey days, you’ll manage to soak up some sunshine if you’re outdoors exercising.

2) Escape the blues- Plan your longest vacation during the winter months, and get away to a warm, sunny climate if at all possible. Just one or two weeks of escape from winter gloom can provide welcome relief from SAD symptoms.

3) Brighten up- Do everything you can to increase the amount of natural light that comes into your home. Keep curtains and blinds open. If tree branches block your windows, trim them back.

4) Stay away from sugar- Don’t overdo cookies, candy, and other sugary foods. Refined sugar may give you an initial lift, but afterward your energy plummets and so does your mood. Opt for protein-dense meals that can help increase alertness. Have an egg-white omelet for breakfast, or a chicken-breast sandwich for lunch.