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Nearly 10 million Americans experience what psychologists have dubbed seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, according to Boston University.
A form of depression, SAD typically rears its head during late fall or early winter and dissipates during the sunnier days of spring and summer.
Symptoms may include feeling sad most of the day, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, and having low energy. Some sufferers also report oversleeping, overeating, and having difficulty concentrating.
While the best course of treatment will always come from your doctor, Mayo Clinic recommends spending plenty of time outside and making your interior sunnier and brighter. Experts also recommend getting regular exercise and a set sleep schedule.
Online, New York Redditors offered their own tips for keeping SAD at bay. The following suggestions were among several made on a recent post on the Long Island subreddit:
- Bundle up and get outside by going for a walk or visiting a park
- Take up an indoor hobby like video games, cooking, or painting
- Pick up a free museum pass at the library
- Find things to look forward to like TV shows, outings, or weekly traditions with friends or family
- Exercise, either at a gym or at home, or join a yoga studio
- Try a new restaurant or head to the mall for some retail therapy
- Connect with your community and make new friends through volunteering
You can find more information about seasonal affective disorder and available treatment options from Mayo Clinic.
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