Beauty Tips

8 Simple Ways to Avoid Seasonal Mood Changes

Feeling down in the dumps this winter? Give these mood-boosting tactics a try

by Jenn Sinrich | COMMENT

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While many of us might notice a little dip in our mood during the winter months, some of us experience a mood shift that's a bit more drastic. It's called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), commonly referred to as the winter blues, and is classified as a type of major depressive disorder where episodes of depression occur around the same time each year — usually in the winter months. "SAD is more common in women than men and the prevalence rates range from 9.7 percent in New Hampshire to 1.4 percent in Florida," says A.J. Marsden, Psy.D., an assistant professor of human services and psychology at Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida. "These rates support one theory as to what causes SAD, and that is the lack of sunshine and, more specifically, the lack of vitamin D that might bring about mild to moderate episodes of depression."

The good news is, SAD is not only treatable — and often without the use of over-the-counter medications or a prescription from your doc — but preventable, too. Here, experts share some easy everyday ways you can ward of seasonal mood changes.

Image via Imaxtree

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