Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, usually occurs during the wintertime due to less exposure to light. And as it gets darker and colder earlier in the day, you may find yourself reaching for an extra cup of coffee in the morning so that you can resist the urge to crawl back into bed for the day.

Seasonal changes can play havoc on your hormones and circadian rhythm, which is how your body regulates your energy levels so that you feel energized during the day, and ready to wind down and get some rest at night. 

As the symptoms creep in, you may be tempted to hibernate until it's over, but there are some steps you can take to counteract how you feel and stay active. Here are a few of them for you to try.

1. Make an Appointment

First, it's best to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms so that they can confirm your diagnosis. 

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend medication or provide a referral to a mental health counselor. 

2. Light Therapy

Since light helps to regulate your circadian rhythm, using a light box in the morning can help to regulate your sleep/wake cycle so that you can feel better during the day. 

Usually, you will want to use the light therapy box for at least a half hour right after you wake up, perhaps with breakfast, or while you are planning out your day. Remember that it may take several weeks to see results, and consistency is important. 

3. Remember the Basics

Sleep, exercise, eating healthy, and socializing regularly can all help you to counteract the severity of SAD. 

Try to take part in as many activities outside as you can so that you can get plenty of exposure to natural light. You could open the blinds when you're at home, take the dog on a walk, or look into joining a running club in your community. 

4. Take a Break

The winter season is a great time to head out on vacation to a warm, sunny spot with your family. A new space can also help you to clear your head and get back into establishing healthy habits.

If you are looking for some other ways that you can deal with SAD, set up an appointment with your doctor so that they can come up with a treatment plan that will work for you! 

For more information, contact a local company like Ascent Mental Health.