Have you got those "winter blues"?

Now, for the rest of us poor folks whose bodies (the hypothalmus, neurotransmitters, etc.) react the other way- i.e., the "Summers are great, the winters are to be borne with grace" type of people - here are some ideas intended to help us through the rest of the term and into Spring Break.

Depending on what part of the country you come from and who you talk to, you may have heard the terms "cabin fever," the "winter blues," of "seasonal affective disorder (SAD)." Now these terms all express the same state of affairs. It really refers to the mood that some folks get into - only because it is wintertime. Research studies show that SAD may be caused by the smaller amounts of sunlight available during the winter months and the body's difficulty in adapting to the winter season. The higher the latitude one lives at, the greater the chance of having SAD. If you think you or a friend may have it, here's what may help.

1. Get out of the "cabin" every day. Ok, what I mean is, plan to do an outside activity especially during the days when the sun shines. Besides going to classes, plan to be outside in some activity such as walking to a store or going for a jog when the sun is shining the strongest, usually around noontime.

2. If you don't make it out in the direct sunlight for an hour every day, try to go to events where there is lots of artificial light in the evenings. This is where going to the mall or to volleyball, basketball, swimming, or ice hockey games is easily justified - not only can you have fun, why, you are even helping to overcome those winter blues at the same time!!!

3. If you are indoors a lot and have a window, getting sunlight can be accomplished by rearranging your living or work area. The idea is to have the sun rays reach you as much as possible.

4. Get some excercise, whatever it is that you mean by that word. Any kind of pulse-raising activity can help. Exercising outdoors in direct sunlight is a great choice. If you are not the outdoors type, take up aerobics, fencing, ballroom or square dancing- anything that is fun enough to make it worth your while to get to it. You say you'll never go out in that cold, wintry night? Well, consider getting a few exercise videos and doing them at home. Or, make a contract with a friend to do calisthenics. If you can, take the stairs wherever you go. A day of sporadic climbing can be as healthful as a stint on the step machine.

Maintaining your fitness level during the winter season is a prerequisite for keeping your spirits high and the body healthy. If these tips don't seem to help, please call 831-5540 for a consultation on other treatments that might work for you or your friend.