Winter can be a wonderful season: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day all fall in one three-month period. However, aside from its delightful holidays, the winter days are shorter, nights are longer, and depression is more common, especially among those who are already prone. There is no need to fret, however, because natural solutions: light, candles, scent, and a little bit of love.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Depression is more common in the winter months, and is especially more common among women between the ages of 20 and 40. There is a disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD (appropriately named). Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: fatigue, lack of interest in normal activities, social withdrawal, craving foods high in carbohydrates, and/or weight gain.

Exercise

It is common knowledge that exercise does not simply keep your body fit, but your mind as well. A healthy diet and a regular exercise schedule can keep a person above the almost inevitable sadness that sets in during the darker, winter months.

If you are going to run or walk outside, be sure to bundle up and bring music along with you to combat the cold. Indoor exercise is, of course, also an option: fitness DVDs and yoga are two simple ideas.

Light Box Therapy

For many, the woes of winter include being stuck in the house because of cold temperatures and several inches of snow on the ground. A light box is a simple idea that provides a small but bright light sources and the vitamin D necessary for your body. Although many could argue that it does as well as the lights in your home, it is much more calming – much like a nightlight or a candle to read by – and is a good solution in combatting SAD. Try a Philips Golite Blu Energy Light – Portable Light Therapy Device.

Aromatherapy and Candles

Another simple approach to adding more light and happiness into your home during the winter months comes with candles, oils, and other forms of aromatherapy. Candles do not provide as much light as the sun or as a light box, but the scents can help keep you in a steady mood. One idea is to light candles that have scents that calm you: apple pie, pine, flowers or fresh laundry.

It is not always easy to understand the darker feelings that some of us are susceptible during the winter months, but there are simply and timed solutions. There is no reason to believe that the light has gone out when it is as easy as connecting lit match to a scented candle.

Resources

‘Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)’: http://www.psychiatry.org/seasonal-affective-disorder.

‘Light Box Therapy’: http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/LightTherapy.htm

‘Aromatherapy’: http://www.rockymountainoils.com/learn-more/aromatherapy/benefits/

‘Aromatherapy’: http://www.encognitive.com/files/Aromatherapy%20for%20SAD.pdf. 

The post Keep Warm (and Happy) this Winter appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

It’s usually during the month of February when you start to feel those mid-winter blues; the kids start to go a little stir-crazy and you feel a case of cabin fever coming on fast. Well, I’m here to help you avoid the mid-winter blues and to embrace the remainder of winter – with your whole family.

Take a Vacation: Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about an expensive last-minute trip to Mexico (unless you want to go)! A simple road trip to a slightly warmer location and a stay in a hotel with a pool is all you likely need to feel rejuvenated enough to make it through the last month of winter. I suggest taking a weekend – or a long weekend if possible – and making a break for blue skies and sunshine. Your kids will enjoy frolicking in the pool and drinking smoothies while you relax under the sun.

Head to an Indoor Aquatic Center:  My kids and I have a blast at the local indoor aquatic center! It’s always warm inside the center, and swimming always reminds us of the upcoming spring and summer. Find an aquatic center that is child-friendly and includes features like: a shallow pool, a lazy river, water slides and more. Your kids will appreciate that the outing is kid-friendly and you’re guaranteed to smile and have fun splashing around by their sides as well.

Take Advantage of Winter Activities: Remind yourself that winter is nearing an end and take advantage of winter activities offered within your area. In most places, you can only sled, ski and ice skate for a few months of every year, so take advantage of the winter you’re having and get out there and play. There are lots of kid-friendly winter activities that adults enjoy, too.

Indoor Activities Are Fun: Yes, you’ve been indoors for far too long now (or so it would seem), but you’re likely stuck in a routine and have been enjoying lots of the same activities. Now is the time to branch out and try a new activity like: building an indoor fort, getting a craft kit and making something special, trying a science experiment at home, etc. Get creative and do something new indoors!

Beat those mid-winter blues with these mid-winter tips, ideas and activities.  

Have fun and happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the Daddy & Co. blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Avoid the Mid-Winter Blues appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.