Winter blues is a seasonal type of depression. As its name suggests, it happens only during the cold, wintry months. Depression, on the other hand, is a general term that refers to "feelings of sadness", extreme or otherwise. Everybody experiences depression at some point in their life, but not everyone gets to experience seasonal depression or the winter blues.
It's been said that Vitamin D helps with depression. This is why getting a daily dose of sunlight is believed to be a great way to reduce depression. In countries where there is winter, this will not be possible (obviously), but of course, it does not mean that everyone will just have to live with depression during the length of the season. There are always alternatives, mind you, so before you give up and merely accept seasonal depression for what it is, consider the following:
Take Vitamin D supplements. If you can't activate the Vitamin D in your body through sunlight, the easiest way you can get your supply of Vitamin D is to try another route, that is via Vitamin D supplements. You can find these in your local health store, or online. It does not matter where you but your supplements from. What's important is that:
One capsule contains 5,000 IU of Vitamin D.
The capsule is not formulated with oil stabilizers such as cottonseed oil, soybean oil, corn oil, or canola oil which can clog the heart. If at all, make sure it is coconut oil, which is not only healthier but which can last a very long time.
Your Vitamin D comes in the form of Cholecalciferol or Vitamin D3.
Take other essential vitamins. Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C are vitamins that also play a great role in warding off depression.
Eat fish or take Fish oil with Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Eating fish regularly can decrease depression tendencies because fish is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Problem is, eating whole fish every day will not be good to your overall health because the fish are likely to be contaminated with chemicals and toxins. Experts recommend taking fish oil, instead. Pharmaceutical graded fish oil supplements are preferred by most experts as they are processed to ensure removal of toxins without removing the Omega-3 component.
Exercise indoors. If it's too cold outside, get things done indoors. Yes, you can do your exercise regimen at home and still enjoy it. How? Rather than do it on your own, invite your best friend over and go over exercise routines together. Exercise keeps your energy levels up, boosts your metabolism, improves your mood and controls depression symptoms.
Get a hobby. Having a hobby diverts your attention and keeps you from getting a lowdown. If you love to write, try blogging. It's stress-relieving to get your thoughts and your feelings out on the World Wide Web. Try singing also or playing an instrument.
Eat well, eat right. Make wise food choices. Hot chocolate drinks sure are tempting during the scold months, but don't drink more than a cup each day. Chocolates, despite being regarding as a comfort food, still are loaded with sugar and calories. They can make you feel high at one point, and extremely low at another, so be careful. To prevent depression, or reduce its impact at the very least, avoid sweets in general, junks, and foods that are high in preservatives and which are hard to digest.
Get involved in your local community. Keep yourself from being lonely during which depression is very likely to attack. Volunteer your services. Coordinate with government and private agencies in your community so can volunteer your services, share your knowledge, and make a difference in someone else's life.
Whether you're having the winter blues or some other form of depression, these tips can help you cope with it somehow.
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