Many people experience mild to moderate winter depression. Severe winter depression, known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is marked by depressed mood, sleeping more than usual, increased appetite, cravings for sweets and carbohydrates, and weight gain. If depression is a problem for you, talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend some form of light therapy, which relieves winter depression in many people. Exercise can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. People who experience winter depression can try combining exercise and light therapy by exercising outdoors when time and weather permit.
If you have a tendency to gain weight during the winter, it’s important for you to figure out what factors contribute to this tendency, and then plan accordingly. Weight gain is a real concern. Our lifestyles are sedentary and our obesity rate is increasing. Those extra pounds acquired over the winter may stay with you and increase yearly. If every year you gain 5 to 10 pounds, in just 5 years it can lead to obesity. Obesity increases our chances of developing chronic disease. People gain weight during the winter months for different reasons. Changes in behavior can lead to health benefits.
Exercise is the best stress-reducer around, and stress reduction is one of the best reasons to stay active. Getting enough sleep is essential, focusing on your priorities and eliminating low-priority activities if you are too busy. Make time for those activities that provide pleasure and opportunities to be with people you enjoy.
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Personal training and small group fitness in West Orange,NJ-Short Hills, NJ-Chatham NJ-Livingston, NJ-Millburn, NJ and other northern NJ towns