Winter Blues

It's that time of the year again. People are eagerly waiting for winter break and getting into the Christmas spirit, but for many, it doesn't matter. I am part of that 'many'. Even though the holidays are approaching and everything is starting to look festive and Christmassy, it doesn't make much of a difference for people having the "winter blues". This depressive state cannot be changed unless they make an effort to do so. 

People typically have the "winter blues" during the colder months of the year. It is a time when they feel more depressed and have little drive to do anything. Oftentimes people confuse this with Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD) which is a type of depression that people experience due to weather changes. Usually, symptoms occur from fall to winter and subside around spring and summer. People experiencing SAD often oversleep, overeat, lack energy, lose interest in life, and feel hopeless. On the other hand, "winter blues" are less severe. When people experience those, they're sad and tend to stay home more but they're still able to function regularly and don't completely lose interest in their hobbies and activities. Even though the two are different, they have similar causes. Due to less exposure to sunlight, there becomes an imbalance in the chemicals of our brain. An excess of the sleep hormone gets produced and there is a lack of production of the feel-good hormones. Sometimes this even affects the person's cognitive abilities causing memory loss and a short attention span. 

This depressive state can be cured by spending more time outdoors and getting some fresh air or a change of scenery. Engaging in physical activities and getting your body moving can stimulate your physical senses and help lift your mood. Additionally, consuming more foods that are rich in vitamin D can also help in combating the "winter blues", and spending time with friends can boost your mood and overall well-being.